3 Years

This past weekend we celebrated Dad's, my brother Bennett's, and Marley's birthdays.

My Dad was very excited about the parts for the gun that he got.

Marley, waited very sweetly and patiently 'til it was her turn.

Now it's Bennett's turn.

FINALLY!

Tinkerbell pajamas from Aunt Jenn.

Tinkerbell mug and plate from Aunt Emily (and family).

The the princess/fairy stuff just kept coming.

See that worried look on her face ... she thinks putting in another pair of earrings is going to hurt. We have still yet to convince her to let us try.

Marley loves doughnuts with pink frosting and sprinkles. She calls them "princess doughnuts" ... hence the giant cake doughnut.

Calaveras Big Trees State Park

We went camping at Calaveras Big Trees State Park and LOVED it. So much to do in such a beautiful place. The kids loved playing on these logs.

Our campsite. A tradition that we have begun this year is to always hang a flag. Little tidbit of info for ya.

Hot cocoa in the morning

"Following the leader, the leader, the leader. Following the leader, wherever she may go ... " ... so true!

Curiosity killed the cat ... check out Dannon ...

Okay ... so story time. Brody "shuffled" the cards for our game of Sorry. I could tell something was fishy by how he was acting. He got to go first in the game. It was really amazing how the first two cards in the deck were 2s ... he got caught!

They have daily activities for the kids ... Dannon and Marley joined the junior cub group (ages 3 - 6)

And Brody was a junior ranger. They loved it.

One tradition we have when we take a trip is having a meal at Round Table pizza. We splurged this time and got rings out of the toy/sticker dispensers. I bet you can't guess which hands are mine ... oh wait, they're the white ones.

Headed down to Tuolomne River (I think ... it's the river within the park ...)

I'm guessing he's getting ready for a big plunge.

My boys

Warming up on the rocks

Brody and Dannon making their first fire.

"Look at what I have created!"

Fun times.

First Day of School

waiting in line before class starts

Kristen and kids

This last week my cousin, Kristen, and her kids came to visit for the week. We kept busy with just about anything that could wear out 5 kids under 6.

So the week started at Meek's Bay at Tahoe ...

What's a beach trip without buckets and shovels?

Kristen and Max

The very handsome Brody

And of course, bottomless food.

Sadie was found many times in this position, except face first in the sand and munching away ... I worry about that girl.

The following day we went to the fair. Kristen's husband Aaron was working the Alhambra booth and got us in for free. Gotta love a freebie ... and great water. (like the plug?)

What is it with kids and maps? ... They love them!

The fair had an awesome dinosaur exhibit ... don't miss that one!

Max was protecting Sadie from the big bad dinosaurs ... doesn't he look ready to take them on?

AND they held a snake.

I was amazed at the high flying stunts at the motocross show ... can't you tell?

And then the kids milked an engorged cow.

It was such a great, exhausting week. Thanks, Kristen, for spending it with us!!