The Karate Kid

The boy had his first karate class today. This fuzzy picture is of him receiving his white belt from the instructor. His sister joined the class and now wants to join.

He was so excited that he wouldn't eat a snack before the class. He didn't want to get his gee dirty or full of crumbs. Eventually, I did convince him that the gee would stay clean if he ate in it.

Look Ma, no crumbs!

Aquatic Park

We went to a local water park today with a friend of the boy's. The kids had a lot of fun swimming and playing in the water features. The girl loved the water slide. At the end of the day, after they had been in the water for almost 4 hours, I asked the girl if she was done swimming. I almost fell over when she told me she was. The girl would sleep in the water if I would let her.

Pinnacles National Monument

Because a two week camping adventure just isn't enough. We decided to take a three day weekend trip to The Pinnacles area. This is yet another picture of the girl and boy making their Jr. Ranger pledge after they had completed the Jr. Ranger book.

I was proud of the girl for all of the hiking she did. All of her hikes included hills. The park campground had a nice general store and a great swimming pool. The kids spent hours swimming and riding their bikes around the campground with new found friends. They also enjoyed going to the general store to get a treat at the end of a long day of playing.

After the kids took their Range pledge it was closing time. One of the Ranger's asked the boy if he would like to fold up the flag for the evening. The boy took the job very seriously.

Bear Gulch Caves

The end of the hike.  It was the girl's second hike of the day and the third one within 15 hours.  We hiked two and a half miles, with a 500 foot ascent through some great caves.  We climbed out of the cave into this reservoir.

Saturday Morning Hike

The boy on the way to meet up with his sister and Dad.  They had gone on a morning hike.  If you look closely you may notice the camo baseball hat on the boy.  It is actually his Dad's old army hat.  It fits pretty well.  I know the boy has a good size head, but its not giant.  Or, it could be his Dad has a small head.  I think we all know the answer to that.  His Dad claims the hat "shrunk" in the wash.

Give me a C...

The girl on her last day of cheer camp.  The camp was a fundraiser for the local high school, where our neighbor is the head cheerleader.
The girls did a routine for the parents.  They did a cheer, a pyramid formation and a dance.  Her brother, Auntie and I came to watch.  She did great and had a lot of fun.

Future Architect

So, the boy got some toys that have to be put together.  He is really into legos and the Dragon Universe series of legos, which have a million pieces.  Luckily for all of us, his sister loves reading manuals and putting things together.  She spent several hours today building the Dragon Universe space ship/ launcher and a hex a bug obstacle course.

The Finished Product

A completed space ship with launch pad.

Who's in Your Back Seat?

While running errands, Iron Man  joined us.  Showing how observant I am as a parent I didn't realize Iron Man was in the car, until I turned to ask a question.

Happy Birthday!

I can't believe the boy is six years old.  To celebrate we had a small family party with swimming at my Aunt's house.  It was a fun evening.

We also want to wish cousin B a happy birthday with hugs from her cousins out West.

Opening Presents

Garden season

It was nice to take vacation early in the summer this year.  Usually we go later, right when the garden is most productive.  This time we came back and everything was just starting to fruit.  While we were in Utah we picked up a bunch sandstone to use as pavers.  I'm pretty sure it will take all summer to get them in the garden pathways.  We did manage to get a coat of stain on the raised beds yesterday.  The wood was weathering much faster then we had hoped for.

Heading Home

3,000 miles driven and heading into the home stretch.

Worlds Tallest Thermometer

I couldn't get the kids and the worlds tallest thermometer all in one shot, so you get two.  We have been on the road 10 hours and will probably put 3-4 more in before we stop for the night.

Hotter than...

It is 6:00 pm and 117 degrees out.  It really is the gateway to Death Valley.

Aquagirl and Aquaboy finishing the day in the pool.  I think they are going to have water withdrawal.

Dixie National Forest

Because hubby has yet to find a dirt road he didn't like.

Sulfur Creek

The kids getting their water fix.  As you can see it is a small creek.  Luckily, it doesn't smell like sulfur.

After lights out when camping

At least playing with the flashlight makes him want to read.

Capitol reef junior rangers

A bit of a belated post...  different phones had different data connection.  Go figure.