The girls (and Jeff and I) were invited to a birthday party where they had the Mystery Machine (bounce house) and Scooby-Doo!! Wowee-wow-wow!
Olivia got to dance with Scooby!
Sledding with Mimi & the birthday boy!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Life is a Bowl Full of Cherries
Summer time & the living is easy!
a bowl full of cherries, one might say...
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Yosemite Camping Trip
On short notice we decided to do an overnight trip up to Yosemite! We stayed at a KOA outside the park, near Mariposa. (Genious idea for stress-free camping, thanks, Jeff! - need new batteries? an ice-cream cone? bug spray? just visit the camp store.) So, we made camp, explored the campground, met the neighbors, played at the playground, used up the camera battery (GGGRRRRRR) and had a nice night. Then in the morning we packed up and headed into the park.
We did the easy stuff on the main valley floor - Bridalveil Falls. Which misted and rained down on us from their incredible height on a hot spring day. Got sandwiches at the "camp store" and took them to a day use area, where we picniced, while Jeff rested his sore back, the girls and I hiked in a little ways to the wall where we spent some time watching the climbers and exploring the base of the cliff. Lots of excellent bolders, hunks of granite, and "sparkley sand." We met some climbers and asked them questions about the gear, wached a lead ascent make his choices as he picked his way up the face, and even did a little climbing on a nice large "crack." After a while we decided to head back, Bella in the lead. the trail came out of the trees into a meadow and a volunteer ranger called out to me: "Is this your dog?" (dammit, yes... I lost her leash at the campground) "Because there's a bear right over there."
We did the easy stuff on the main valley floor - Bridalveil Falls. Which misted and rained down on us from their incredible height on a hot spring day. Got sandwiches at the "camp store" and took them to a day use area, where we picniced, while Jeff rested his sore back, the girls and I hiked in a little ways to the wall where we spent some time watching the climbers and exploring the base of the cliff. Lots of excellent bolders, hunks of granite, and "sparkley sand." We met some climbers and asked them questions about the gear, wached a lead ascent make his choices as he picked his way up the face, and even did a little climbing on a nice large "crack." After a while we decided to head back, Bella in the lead. the trail came out of the trees into a meadow and a volunteer ranger called out to me: "Is this your dog?" (dammit, yes... I lost her leash at the campground) "Because there's a bear right over there."
Me: "excuse me?"
Him: "There is a B.E.A.R. Right. There."
Me:"Bella! Come!"
Sure enough, a young black bear, right. there.
So... we stood there for a while, watching, waiting, asking questions. Turns out "White 81" is a 2 year old male, who has a history of lurking around the climbing sites looking for granola bars and what not. And this volunteer's job is to carry around the radio reciever/directional antenna and follow him around when he shows up and discourage the unfavorable behavior with an air gun that shoots "paint" balls of mineral oil. Today he was just grazing in this lush green meadow.
So... we stood there for a while, watching, waiting, asking questions. Turns out "White 81" is a 2 year old male, who has a history of lurking around the climbing sites looking for granola bars and what not. And this volunteer's job is to carry around the radio reciever/directional antenna and follow him around when he shows up and discourage the unfavorable behavior with an air gun that shoots "paint" balls of mineral oil. Today he was just grazing in this lush green meadow.
After a while he moved to the other side of the meadow and I was "relatively" comfortable carrying my dog and preschooler, and ushering Olivia down the trail. After clear directions to use "CALM" voices, not walk toward the bear, no squirming while I carry you, etc. When we crossed the meadow. We stopped and turned around to watch a bit more. And I told the girls to remember this picture, because we don't have the camera to save it... we each need to save it in our memories.
Blue sky overhead, silver grey cliff towering on the left, mixed forest with a couple tall redwoods pushing up behind the meadow, the lush green of the spring meadow with a couple big grey rocks breaking it up, and a thin sparkly line of sand trail on the left, and a biggish shaggy brown bear in the middle. (at least, that's how I remember it.) Here is Olivia's journal entry:
Wings of Hope - ACS Relay for Life (May)
Our first Relay, and while we didn't stay the whole time, I found it to be a meaningful and engaging community activity.
Minor League Baseball Night Game (April)
Modesto Nuts home game, Covanta (Jeff's work) gave tickets to interested employees.
The girls thought it was great - bounce houses, cracker jacks, mascots, baseball with Daddy, fireworks at the end of the game. I thought it was terrificly family-friendly and a good time. Jeff was less impressed. But he had a good time anyway!!
A full moon and baseball on daddy's lap...
What a treat!
What a treat!
Hey Liv, betcha you can't lick your elbow.
Adult Volleyball (April)
Jeff and I joined an adult volleyball league this spring. A big leap for me -having never really played before (LOL). the girls came and watched most nights. One night Mimi took pictures for you to enjoy!
I learned quite a bit - our teammate (jeff's co-worker) Terry is an excellent coach and sportsman; it was a very good experience.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Pickles the Frog (May)
So... Olivia finds this small froggy in the inflatable pool on the patio and names it Pickles.
Some days Pickles is in the pool, and some days she's not. She's not allowed in the house, and Yes. Both girls have kissed Pickles, and so far... no handsome prince.
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