Camping in Lee Vining

Last week we went camping with our friends out to Lee Vining, which is near Mammoth. We had a super fun time. We camped in a different spot than last year so the mosquito's weren't quite as bad but there was still a lot. We applied our daily insect repellent which kept the kids bite free the entire time but of course, us adults still got bit. The fishing wasn't as good this year because the river was moving too fast. We did find a calmer spot where Blake caught a couple fish. We drove around more this time and explored the area. There were so many beautiful waterfalls, lakes, and rivers. We went out to Mammoth to look at some campsites, that they wouldn't let us into without paying an arm and a leg so we decided to pull over and let the kids play in the snow. We were surprised to see snow up there in July and the kids enjoyed playing in it and throwing snowballs at each other.

We even got a cool thunder and lightning storm while we were there. Greg brought his Easy up, thankfully, so we could put it over the picnic bench and all hang out under there, eat dinner and talk until the rain stopped. That added some excitement to the trip. We also saw a lot of cool little critters. There were so many chipmunks running around everywhere. We saw a marmot which was huge, the size of a large fat cat. We also saw woodpeckers, lots of birds, some dead deer on the side of the road, but no bears. The camp host did show us a tree that had the claw marks of a bear that had once climbed it. The kids thought that was pretty cool. We all had a great time and this time nobody got hurt.

The kids at Saddlebag lake.

Blake and Delaney fishing

Amanda and Daddy

All the kids hanging out

Playing in the snow

Lauren found a little piece of a broken sled and was sliding down the hill.

Lauren, Amanda and Carley

The tree with bear claw marks.

Our thunderstorm

We're all huddled together eating dinner in the rain.

Amanda and Carley on their scavenger hunt.

One of the many beautiful waterfalls.

A tree that was growing on the side of a rock cliff.

Our baby chipmunk friend

We couldn't figure out what this animal was so after researching it we decided it was a marmot.

4th of July

For the 4th we went to my parents house for dinner and then down to my grandparents house to do fireworks. The kids had a blast playing with fireworks, especially Blake who lit almost the entire box. Of course we didn't have any illegal ones but the neighbors did. It felt like we were at Disneyland, up close.

Kaylee got all the kids these hats.

Lauren liked the sparklers.

These were the fireworks right above us, from the neighbors.

Amanda's Piano Recital

In June Amanda had her very first piano recital. It was held at our local library. She has been taking lessons for almost a year now. I have never been to a piano recital before and they are so cute. She played a couple songs and did wonderful. She even got a trophy at the end.

Amanda and her teacher, Miss Heather.

May Activites

A Visit from Grammy & Poppy

O.K., so I've got to post for May since June is right around the corner. There has been lots going on, as usual. Last month Bryan's parents (and sister) came out to visit us from Kentucky. We hadn't seen them in so long and the kids were super excited! It's hard being so far away from family but we were so glad they came out to visit and we were also surprised when his sister came out too. Marnie is sooooo sweet and nice and the kids as well as myself love and adore her. Hopefully we will get to see them all again soon!

Grammy, Poppy and kids

They even got to go to one of Blake's baseball games.

Disneyland

The kids had a day off of school so I decided to take them to Disneyland. This was a day of firsts for Lauren. I decided since she was now tall enough to go on some of the more "fast" rides that she might like to try them out. :) She had already been on Matterhorn when she was about 2 years old (since there is no real height limit for that ride) and didn't like it, of course. So today, the first ride we went on was Splash Mountain. Here is a picture of her heading up before any of the drops. When the ride was over her hair got a little wet and she said it was fun, but I think she was just trying to be brave.

The next ride we went on was Big Thunder Mountain. Now she didn't really know what to expect except that her brother and sister always go on this ride with their dad and they always have a great time. Here is a picture of her wrapped around my arm again during the ride. Does she look like she's having fun?? She wasn't too fond of the ride.

The last "fast" or "scary" ride you might say we went on was over at California Adventure- Tower of Terror. I thought she was too short for this ride but she met the requirements and so we went for it. The older kids were having a blast because usually when they go to Disneyland with myself and Lauren only (without Bryan) they always have to go on the "baby" rides as they call it. So they were having a wonderful day! I think Tower of Terror is super fun and so does Blake and Amanda so away we went. Here is a picture of us (it's not very clear) in the front row.

At least Lauren was a good sport and tried all the rides. She didn't even cry on any of them and came off the rides feeling proud of herself. When asked if she wants to go on them again the answer is of course...No.

Father/Daughter Dance

A couple weeks ago was the Father/Daughter dance at Amanda's school. This year I signed up to help with the food so I got to spy and take a few pictures. They ate lots of appetizers along with yummy desserts and a chocolate fountain. There was lots of dancing going on and it was cute to watch all the dads with their daughters.

Standing in line for pictures.



I was trying to be sneaky but Amanda caught me.

Having a great time.

Most dads were flinging their daughters around and up in the air. There was some crazy dancing going on. Good workout for those dads. :)

Legoland
We found out about this deal where Legoland had tickets for $15. It was for Celebrate Carlsbad Day. The regular prices are $87 for adults and $77 for kids. We couldn't pass up this smokin' deal so we decided to face the madness of people and head out there. Let me tell you, the line to get into the park was horrendous and took us about an hour just to get in. Once we were in it was crazy crowded, but that was to be expected. Since we've already been there we knew what to go on and what wasn't worth the wait. Lauren doesn't remember going so this was all new for her. She, as well as the other two had a super fun time. I guess they have this deal every year, so we will have to keep our eyes out open for it again. You do have to purchase your tickets ahead of time though because they sell out. We ordered our tickets one morning and I told my sister about it and by the time she did it in the afternoon, they were already sold out.

This was Laurens favorite ride. I look like I'm enjoying myself too. Notice the large amount of people in the background.

Playing in the water area.

Running through the water fountains.

Lots and lots of water!

Blake and Abe

Lauren's 4th Birthday

This year Lauren wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese again for her birthday. She just wanted her cousins to come, as well as her grandma and grandpa so that was fine with me. The kids all had a great time and we went during the week so it was not crowded. I can't believe my baby is 4 already. Time sure does fly.

Singing Happy Birthday

Lauren, Emily and Chucky

Playing Guitar Hero. Let me tell you, Bryan got addicted to this game and before the week was over he found someone selling a brand new one on craigslist and bought it. He now plays on a very regular basis!

Grandpa, Lauren and Grandma

Talent Show

Amanda was in her school's talent show again this year. This time she was in three different acts. One was with her Daisy troop where they sang and danced to Zip i dee doo dah. The second was with her 1st grade class. They sang and danced to Yankee Doodle and then the last was Amanda singing the song "Tomorrow" from Annie. She did a great job!

Amanda and her friends

Amanda with her daisy group.

Yankee Doodle

Singing a solo.

Easter

I'm finally getting around to posting about Easter. This year we went to a couple Easter egg hunts in Placentia. One was at a park and one at a church. Blake, Bryan and my dad were fishing that day so it was just me and the girls (we did meet up with my sister at the church egg hunt). Amanda had been to a sleepover the night before and got little sleep so she was a little on the grouchy side but we made it through the morning. By the way, she took a 4 hour nap that day!

Lauren and Emily being silly.

At the craft table

Lots and lots of eggs

Lauren had a party at school where they walked around in a parade showing off their hats they made, played games, did crafts and had a visit from the eater bunny. She loves preschool and especially her teacher Miss Amber!

Lauren and her friends Ily and Abbey.

Lauren and Jack walking around in the parade.

On Easter day we went to church and then to my grandparents house for lunch and more egg hunts. It was a weekend filled with lots of goodies and candy. Too much candy!