Pine Tree Park

It may be a gloomy morning in the park but the boys smiles are as bright as ever. Cole never seems to grow tired of going back and forth over this odd looking dinosaur.

Grayson prefers to "ride the wild turtle". Ride 'em turtle boy!

Julian Mine Tour

Another camping trip to Julian found us on a mine tour given by a local family. Emily seemed to enjoy to ride in the old mine train around the Smith family ranch.

The kids had a chance to see how a pioneer family might have lived years ago.

Dad and Grayson found themselves on the wrong end of a cannon. Good thing it wasn't loaded.

Grayson is becoming quite a good camper and explorer. I know he is looking forward to his next adventure.

First Angels Game

After several sessions of T-ball classes, it was time for Grayson to attend his first major league baseball game. Who better than to introduce him to this wonderful pastime than Daddy and Grandpa. As if the hot dogs and peanuts weren't enough, the Angels rewarded Grayson by winning the game with a home run in the 10th inning.

Roughing It

8 years ago, our idea of camping was putting everything into a backpack and hiking to a remote location with our friend Dave.
When Emily joined us, car camping became a must.

Several years later, we have taken our camping to the next level. We are now the proud owners of a home on wheels. I don't know if we are getting soft or smart, but it sure feels good to me.

The kids seem to be enjoying it too. Grayson took a break from "roughing it" to have lunch at a local BBQ joint.

Emily enjoyed the darker side of town as she checked out the old gold mine, jail and cemetery. Thumbs up to ghost hunting Emily.

Gone Fishing

Another wonderful trip to Pinezanita, and this time we actually caught some fish.
Grayson started with the first catch.

Emily really got into fishing and says she caught 12 fish that weekend. It may have been more like 9 or 10, but every true fisherman needs to exaggerate a little.

She was really enthusiastic about cooking and eating her catch, until she heard us talking about how we would go about killing the fish to cook. She quickly decided to let her little prisoners go.

When we went into the mining town of Julian, and Grayson was excited to see a racing club come through Main Street. It was quite a contrast to the horse drawn carriage in the background.

To Jeff and I, nothing says camping like a glass of wine and a roaring fire.
Cheers to burning things!

Lego Land

Grayson and Jeff went out for some guy time last week.
They met friends from San Francisco at Lego Land.

They came back with lots of stories of driving cars...

running through play mazes...

...and driving more cars.
Somewhere along the way, everyone got soaking wet.
Sounds like the perfect guy day to me.

I don't know who had more fun that day.
I do know that at the end of the day, Grayson was one tired, happy little boy.

Honor Roll

With only a week left in school, Emily wrapped up elementary school in style.

She participated in an assembly where she was recognized for making the honor roll.

Later in the day, she and the rest of the 5th and 6th grade band gave a performance.
Wow, what a difference from their squeaky days in September when they first picked up their instruments. Great job Emily. We are very proud of you.

Little Camper

It was finally time for Grayson's first camping trip. After setting up camp, he got a lesson in fishing gear, using Grandpa Hemmelgarn's well stocked tackle box.

Next they headed down to the fishing pond where Dad taught him how to use the rod and reel.

No fish were caught that weekend, but Grayson was not discouraged.

He cheerfully went back to the campsite, ready to spend the night in his very own tent.
Grayson proved to be quite the little camper, I am sure this will be followed by many more camping trips in the coming years.

Open House

It hardly seems possible that we are nearing the end of the year and with it Open House nights at the kids schools. The evening started at Emily's school where she showed off her contribution to the classroom heroes quilt. Emily created the Elvis square.

Over at Grayson's school, we were treated to a dinosaur inspired show.

Afterwards, Grayson excitedly showed us around his classroom and playground.
We are so proud of our great students.

On Safari

The brave biologists set out to explore the jungles of Santa Ana.

Emily encounters rough roads on her way to find the giant lizard of Orange County.

They are shocked to find Cole has already captured and tamed the giant beast.

Library Card

Grayson has enjoyed library story time for years.
This week he asked for his own library card.
He proudly checked out his first book this Thursday,
and couldn't wait to have Dad read it to him that night.

Spring Training

Continuing with his exploration of various sports,
Grayson decided to try out t-ball.

We all enjoy watching him having fun with his friends.
Grandpa is one of the most loyal fans.

Dad, of course, is his biggest fan.
He is always there to coach and encourage him in everything he does.

Mother's Preschool Picnic

When you are invited to a Mother's Day Party by a gentleman this handsome,
you don't hesitate to put on your party dress and go.

When we arrived at his preschool, Grayson presented me with beautiful roses.
This guy certainly knows how to treat a lady.

After a yummy lunch under the trees,
he showed me some of his favorite things to do on the playground.

You are looking at one very proud and happy Mommy and one charming young man.
Thank you for a wonderful afternoon Grayson.

Toys

Sometimes the best toys, aren't toys at all. Cole was very impressed by how much noise he could make as he gleefully banged on the pots in the kitchen.

Pizza King

It was Friday night when the cries went out for fast food. When I insisted that we head home for dinner I was greeted with groans. Then the kids came up with the idea to open their own restaurant. Pizza King was born.

Emily served up the "happy meals" complete with pizza pockets, dessert and a toy surprise.

Pizza King was a hit, with great ambience and happy customers.

Peanuts

Sometimes it is the little rituals that mean so much to the kids. The boys just love sitting down with Dad after work, eating peanuts he brings from the farmer's market.

Easter 2010

Easter was great fun this year. There were treats left by the Easter Bunny, buckets of fun from Nana and Grandpa, and a challenging Easter egg hunt.
You gotta make those kids work for the eggs!