August trip to California

We were going to meet Mom & Dad at Yosemite to camp together at the housekeeping cabins, but they went a couple of weeks beforehand and called to say it was really hot and really dry with hardly any waterfall activity. That didn't sound too fun, so we opted to go to Mom & Dad's house instead. Honestly, it was a more relaxing option and I was kinda glad. ;-) ... It took the boys a little longer to adjust to not going to Yosemite after our big buildup (getting library books about it, talking about it, planning for it, etc.) They were very happy to get to go to Gma & Gpa's house though and were excited to see Anders, Lars, and Oliver! Having the Jensen's right next door is so fun and it's great for the kids to have ready-made playmates right there.

...And we're off! We made good time and got off Friday afternoon.

 

Truck stop leg-stretching.

 

Did you know that in Baker, CA there is the world's largest thermometer?? We walked over it after lunch and it made a big impression on the boys. Garrett thanked me profusely for taking him to see it, so I think we hit a nail on the head. ;-)

 

A dust storm was blowing in, making it all the more adventurous...

 

Yay! In 'n Out!

 

We're at Gma & Gpa's!

 

Jim showed the boys how to whittle, using some of Poppa's old pocket knives.

 

We had a nice "wittle" fire in the driveway and Gpa let the boys tear up some old chairs to use in the fire!

 

It was nice to see Lars and Wade enjoying time together and connecting for the first time now that they were at an age to notice each other better.

Garrett got to join Gpa and Anders at Granada's boys adventure night. There he is playing hockey. I was happy to hear him say later that he just did his best and that's all he could do.

 

It was so nice to have brunch with Grammy and Poppa!

 

Poppa showing Wyatt the pocket knife he is giving Wyatt (which we'll pull out at the appropriate age). It's SO nice of Poppa to share them with the boys - they are super excited!

 

Holding the pocket knives together.

 

Mom made some amazing cupcakes that were something I could eat!! Oh. My. They were good. Thanks Mom!

 

Mom had a "Teddy Bear Picnic" with the boys. They sat for probably 5 minutes and then were off to kill ants, etc. Such boys!

 

We got to go to Nick's Pizza, Jim's all-time favorite pizza place!

 

 

and then had a day riding the ferry to Balboa Island and back, riding the Ferris wheel, playing at Newport Beach, and having dinner at the Crab Cooker. Fun!

 

One really enjoyable activity was helping GG create a restful, pretty space in her backyard with Mom.

 

And saying goodbye...What a fun time we had!

 

Around the House in June...

July 4th Indiana Trip

What a nice time we had in Indiana! We enjoyed a lot of time with everyone and did a lot of activities.

 

Stopping at a beautiful rest stop along the way in Illinois or Indiana...checking out a tractor...

 

 

Wyatt caught a worm.

 

Yay! We're at Grandma and Grandpa's and get to play with cousins and ride dune buggies!!

 

We got there in time to celebrate Grandpa's birthday!

It was fun going to the Cool Creek Park Nature Center and taking a walk together.

 

We took a day trip to the Creation Museum with Walt & Judy and Jeff & Lisa and family. Lots of fun! They keep adding more exhibits. We love the planetarium show, petting zoo, and this time Garrett and I got to enjoy a Buddy Davis musical concert together.

 

The new dinosaur that was donated to the museum.

 

It was great to get to Conner Prairie with Carol & Alyssa, and Jeff & Lisa & kids. We saw baby chicks, a Civil War show and set-ups, and a blacksmith making a hinge.

 

...and then for the big firework show in Walt & Judy's backyard! Several friends stopped by too.

 

Garrett made a flag out of a napkin to get into the 4th of July spirit.

 

And I'll end with this dramatic action shot of Jim...No, he did not get hurt by any fireworks...just had lots of fun! ;-)