Journey to the Top of the Mountain

I've got some great friends who, I'm still not sure how, talked me into joining them on a pretty intese hike in South Lake Tahoe. Mt. Tallac is 9700 ft. above sea level and, from the summit, one of the most beautiful views I've ever seen. I read that, overall, the route we took is 6 miles in distance with an elevation gain of 3,200 ft., but I have to give it to these girls, they were very patient and encouraging. The view and satisfaction of reaching the summit made it all well worth with, though I found myself repeating the mantra I have for my own kids, "You can do hard things!" Several times I felt like the little blue engine, "I think I can, I think I can..." But we did it, in just over 4 hours, I believe. So here are a few pictures from our resident photographer, Debby. Thanks again, girls!

Mom's Graduation

We are so darned proud of you, Grandma!! Way to go!

Our Fun 4th!

Yes, I know this is very late, but I had to post about the great week we spent with my sister and her family in Washington. We love to be up there in the summer - it's such a wonderful break from the incessant heat we get down here. We spent most of the time at their little cabin on the lake. Good times...

10-Year Anniversary!

Yeah! This year for the "Big 10," we went down to Monterey for the weekend. Grandma McMindes, lovingly, offered to take the kids to the Ranch, which is always a treat for them. So, knowing the kids were happy as clams, we headed for the coast. It was strange to be in the car together and be able to talk without comments from the peanut gallery. The weather couldn't have been more perfect. One of the perks of Ryan's jobs is that since he has to travel so much, he earns points for hotel stays. So after a little calculating, he landed us in The Clement, which is arguably the nicest hotel there, right in the center of Cannery Row. We realized this was our first time staying in a hotel without kids since our honeymoon!

Bubba Gumps for Dinner

Evening Stroll

View from our deck - the Central Plaza

Ocean View

Petting Stingrays at Montery Bay Aquarium

Ben's Baptism Day

Finally! Here are some pictures from Ben's baptism. I felt so proud of my little man, not only because of his decision to be baptized, but of his preparation. He really took it seriously and was so excited, he told everyone he came in contact with, from schoolmates, to teachers, the principal, store cashiers, it was so neat. When he met with the Bishop prior to his baptism, the bishop came out and said, "He'll be interviewing us someday." He loves learning about the gospel and has always had such a sensitive heart. I tell him all the time he's going to be the best missionary, husband and father. I'm so proud of my boy!

My Guys

Great Grandpa and Great Grandma with Aunt Babe

Four Generations of Handsome Men

Our neighbors, Connie and Fritz were so sweet to come and support Ben.

Ben really loved having his friends there.

Memorial Day Weekend

One of our family's favorite things to do is be outdoors, surrounded by nature. We really don't do it often enough, but we have the best time when we do. So this weekend was a "Nature Vacation." Ryan had some work to do in Redding, so we stayed with him in his hotel, which the kids think is the coolest thing ever. The first picture is fast becoming a staple in during our Redding adventures. Burney Falls has a great hike which we just found leads to a beautiful lake (see picture of Ryan and Ben.) The middle pictures are from a hike we took to Castle Crags State Park in Dunsmuir, just south of Shasta. It was breathtaking. At the end of the hike, before we turned back, was a little stream that the kids really enjoyed. We were really proud of them, since we literally hiked or drove for three solid days. The loved it, though. Very few complaints, which is quite huge!

Dear Friends

I'm just amazed to know so many wonderful women in my life. These are a few dear friends from Vacaville I visited with while they were in town. Mandi, Christy, Judy, and Tricia. Each one plays a part in my history, from different periods of my life and I feel so awed by them, what great mothers and women they have become. I'm blessed to know them.