Mammoth Pools Again

We just can't seem to resist the call of smooth water, rocks to jump off of, tents to pitch, camp food to cook, open fires, s'mores, waterways to explore on the canoes, bocce ball, and more. But this time... we got to share our adventures with family too!

Adalie Doubles

So, we are at Mammoth Pools and it is just the 4 of us in the boat. The water is glass smooth. We are skiing round robin and it is Adalie's turn. Adalie had generously loaned her horseshoe ski to some of her friends to try out. So, we swung by their beach, but they were out skiing with her ski.

So, I casually say, "well, Adalie, I guess if you are going to ski your turn, you will have to use the doubles..." To which she replies her classic, "oh fine!" Seth and I give each other a quick glance of "did she just say "oh fine"?? Did that just work? No way!!" But neither of us wasted a seconds time. We have learned that when they say "yes", do not hesitate for even an instant because courage does not last long when you are trying something new!

In the blink of an eye, we are on the beach, life jacket and gloves are on, skies are on the feet, rope is in hand, instructions are given, camera is out and "hit it" is the last thing they hear!

But of course, our Adalie, who will always be known as the "girl who would never be left behind" got right up and skied and skied.

The first time they ski whether it is a horseshoe, doubles or even a single will always bring a lump to my throat and a cry of joy on my lips!

Wild Water

Grammy and Papa gave Josiah passes to Wild Water Adventures for her birthday ... and boy oh boy have we had a blast! From double tube rides to wave pool, it is an adventure that is hard to beat on a hot summer's day!

My very favorite day was when Josiah tried the big slides. She had me go down first and give her the thumbs up or thumbs down. I wasn't completely convinced, but knowing she would try anything once, I gave her the thumbs up .... and well .... that was that ..... she LOVED it!! It was so cute to watch her little body missile down those big slides.

Although Adalie really likes all the slides she is tall enough for, including the big pink one, you can't take a fish out of water. Our little Miss fish Adalie LOVES the wave pool. You can always find her floating in the corner of the deep end where the waves are the biggest!

(Summer 2011 Josiah 8, Adalie 5, Kaiya 6, Bladen 3 yrs old)

29 Again

Daddy's Birthday! And he is turning 29 again!

This whole age thing is becoming quite confusing. Last year I overheard Adalie telling her friends that her Dad was only 29 years old, but her mom was 35!! And now, when we take turns youngest to oldest.... who do you think goes last?? These girls are convinced that Daddy is still in his 20's!

Well Daddy, no matter how old you are.... we love you even more than that!!

(Josiah 8, Piper 7, Ashlyn 6, Adalie 5 yrs old)

Dads

One of the things we love about our Dad so much .... he lets us take risks!
He will walk us to the edge of the cliff to throw a rock over the edge, when Mom is frozen with fear. He will encourage us to do things that are challenging, when Mom worries it will not turn out well. He lets us make our own mistakes, when Mom wants to catch our every fall.
Thank the Lord ... He designed Mom and Dad to be one!
Only together can we provide both sides of the coin!

Mammoth Pools

Mammoth Pools was such a favorite last year, we scheduled it early on our summer calendar this year. Skiing combined with camping - what could be better? The fun of camping - cooking over a fire, roasting marshmallow for s'mores, tents and sleeping bags, exploring and serenity - matched with being on the water every morning for that glass smooth water, jumping in the boat anytime of the day for a swim or to find some rocks to jump off of....

Pure Bliss!!

Still Cluckin'

Red is still clucking!

She may be the smartest chicken we have had yet. She has survived 3 raccoon attacks on the coop (1 of which we lost her companion Penguin - those darn raccoons!). And has learned to squeal her head off (no pun intended) when danger is near! Best of all, she is the sweetest little thing. She loves to be close to the girls, eats out of the hands, follows them around, and flaps up into their laps to be held!

I hope she lasts.....

First Lost Tooth

Oh, exciting day!! Adalie has lost her first tooth!! Isn't she the sweetest thing!!

She wrote the sweetest note to her tooth fairy ...

Hi Tooth Fairy,
I wonder what you look like and how you get under my pillow to get my tooth!

Love, Adalie

It's the 4th of July

As a child, I would look forward to the 4th of July like other children looked forward to Christmas! I have such clear memories of the heat, swimming, skiing, sailing, BBQing, and of fireworks and homemade ice cream on the yellow jet boat! I can still see my Mom's darling bikini and my Dad's "cat styled" sunglasses, I can smell the smoke of the fireworks, and I can hear their rumble as they echoed off the mountain ranges!

As newly weds, Seth and I continued this love for the 4th. We would race from Santa Barbara to the lake with as many vacation days as we could muster! With Jacob and Ducey in the back seat our jeep we would sing..... "It's the 4th of July, it's the 4th of July!"

Now as the family and we have grown, we still try to hold tight to those carefree days of celebration .... where life just seemed so simple!