Fourth of July 2011

Sun, swimming, s'mores, and sparklers - we couldn't have asked for a more wonderful celebration of the fourth! The kids had a blast swimming at the pool of some family friends - they all made amazing strides in water comfort. (Just in time for swimming lessons!). Then we came home to grill hot dogs, eat fresh watermelon grown by friends from church, and roast marshmellows for s'mores. After washing away the stickiness, we burned a few sparklers and watched our neighbors light some fireworks before the "big event". Ripon has been without a fireworks show for the last few years because of budget constraints, this year a fund raising committe worked to get donations for a community show. IT WAS AMAZING! I was so impressed -- and I was almost equally delighted that we could watch it from the end of our street so we didn't have to battle any crowds!

Andrew enjoying the water: Kat liked the "little pool" (it wasn't heated so it felt just like the big pool only more Kat-friendly) until the end of the day when I couldn't get her out of the other pool.

Anika hanging out at the deep end without any floation help! She is doing GREAT!

Kathryn could "do it myself!"

Watermelon!

S'mores!

How do you eat a s'more when your front teeth are missing? Well, it gets really messy!

Our neighbors were kind enough to share their "show" with us!

Our kids trying out sparklers - they just aren't like I remember:-(

Waiting for the show:

Kat doesn't like loud noises:

A GREAT SHOW! (I thought it ironic that this firework looks like it is coming out of the fireworks booth!)

Yosemite - Take 2

When our dearest friend, Dana, from Sunnyside called and said that she was taking a trip with her sister and nephew and they wanted to do Yosemite, well, we jumped at the chance to go back. What an AMAZING weekend. Great sights, great company, great get-away. On Friday we picniced at Bridalveil Falls and then spent most of our time at Glacier Point (Sue & Drew took the Four Mile trail to the valley floor and we picked them up there). Then we headed out to our hotel, Yosemite View Lodge (just outside the park). The kids LOVED staying at a hotel, swimming at the pool and spending time with their new friends, Sue & Drew. On Sat. we just did Lower Yosemite Falls and the valley floor. We were actually grateful to leave since the July 4th crowds were overwhelming on Sat. It was just such a gift to spend time with great people in an amazing place! Dana and her nephew, Drew, with my kiddos.

The Wickers at Tunnel View:

Kat's new best friend, Sue!

Anika at the ampitheater at Glacier Point:

Kathryn and the wild (or not) life:

Half-Dome and Nevada Falls:

Yosemite (upper & lower) Falls from Glacier Point - WOW!!

The Glacier Point hike:

Our beautiful, wonderful accommodations:

Powdered donuts - the breakfast of champions:

Hanging out at the hotel:

At the top of the big rock:

Anika sliding down the big rock: Sue & Kat sliding down the big rock:

Drew sliding down the big rock:

I gave Kat a couple of thumbs up throughout the trip -- and she returned the favor. It truly was a two thumbs up get-away!!! Kathryn pouting about taking a family photo:

The family:

My good friend, Dana, and me:

Sometimes they are friends:

Mistlin Park

It is hard to believe that our first trip to Mistlin Park came in June this year. We've had such a wet, cool spring -- although that is all in the past now, as we've been experiencing triple digit heat recently. The kids LOVE Mistlin - playground, sprinklers and lots of room to run! I love that it has shades and bathrooms for the kiddos:-)