Camping

When we lived in Sacramento a couple of summers ago, we took Ada camping and we loved it. Scott and I decided that we want to try and go at least once every summer from then on. So far, we have. The first year, we went to the Redwoods, last summer was Tahoe and a couple of weeks ago, we went to French Meadows campground with some friends. 

It was a really fun weekend and something that we learned is...always go camping with people who know how to camp. What a difference it makes with mealtime (and of course, great company!)! Thanks Greens.

Here comes picture overload

Ada and Ivy just hanging out while Scott sets up the tent

 Hard at work

 Waiting for her friends to come

 Ada showing off her mad silly face skills

 Leading the twins on an exploring trip

 Hanging out at the campfire

 Will they sleep tonight??

She tried, she really did..but it was cold. Ivy Spent most of the night snuggled up next to me in my sleeping bag. You may be able to tell by my bloodshot eyes that not much sleep came my way that night.

 Sitting by the fire while breakfast is being made

Thanks Candie for the beanie! It was a lifesaver

 

 I tried really hard to get the girls to look at the camera at the same time

 Yup, kids still get time outs while camping. Cutest little twins!

 Time for a hike

 Love that little face!

 Ada loves holding hands. 

 Cute, cute kids

 Gorgeous area. I loved being so remote

 Checking out the frog

 Ada loved holding feathers while pretending to fly, but I must admit, totally grossed me out ( Not Ada pretending to fly, but grossness on the feathers!).

 My big little girl

 Love my family

 The Green Family. Thanks for putting this together

 Ivy just couldn't hold on any longer. She really tried, she did.

 Nothing like a dirty face while camping. I finally just had to embrace the fact that my kids (and myself) would be filthy

 

 If I remember correctly, this was the American River (but I am probably WAY off). It was awesome. It felt nice to scrub off some of the grime from the campsite and get our kids somewhat clean. The water was surprisingly refreshing and not the ice cold mountain water that I was expecting.

 As much as Ivy wanted to go in the water...she sat on the sidelines this time with her Puffs

 Cute fam

 This picture cracks me up every time. Josh and Scott look naked in the water. When Scott saw this picture he said that what made it even more gross is that their hair was dry. He said that seeing a guy in the water with dry hair looked wrong. So we have two "Naked" guys in the water with dry hair. Not to mention Josh's awesome handkerchief. Just completes the picture I would say!

 I love Josh's pose in this picture. Hilarious

 Wedgy

 This is what two, REALLY tired kids look like

 Make that THREE tired kids

 and a tired Dad

 These girls just did not want to fall asleep

 Second night was a little bit better, but still lacking in the sleep department

 Final breakfast...which was amazing. I think we cleaned up 10 or so eggs!

The boys

 The girls, minus Ivy

 Hiding in the bear box. This kid is too funny!

 Pretty girl

 So sweet

Thanks again Greens for showing us the ropes and letting us tag along!

Saturday Night Fun

Scott has wanted to watch a movie underneath the piano with Ada for awhile now (on the laptop). We had a pretty busy day that particular day and we have to get up early for church on Sunday, but they went for it anyway. Can I tell you, it was so cute. Scott grabbed a bunch of Ada's "Friends", and a comfy blanket. Ada was so excited. I popped them some popcorn and put another blanket over the piano so it could be their very own theater.

I occasionally heard things like, "Dad, did you see that?" or other statements like that. I was adorable. I am sure they will repeat their movie nights.

 Horton Hears a Who

I love my family.

I got to hang out while they watched a movie. Loved every minute of it!

Folsom Rodeo

Poor Scott, in all of his 29 long years had never been to a rodeo. We talked about going last year, but alas, we didn't have a job, which meant no income, which meant we didn't do many outings that involved money. We decided to splurge little and hit up the rodeo this year. Ada and my brother Chad came with us. We had a great time (minus the blaring sun for the first 2 hours of the show). 

I am sure my BRIGHT shirt didn't help the people's eyes behind us. It matched the volunteers shirts...

 I felt bad that Ada didn't have sunglasses to ward off the sun. I offered mine to her. She only wore them long enough to take a picture.

At one point they called all of the kids down to the nasty smelling, poop filled arena, for coin collecting. They dumped 100 $1 silver coins in the dirt and let the kids have at it. Parents were not aloud to help so we pretty much just stood back and watched Ada run....and run. She wasn't sure what she was supposed to do so she just ran. It was pretty funny!

It was so hot! Once the sun went down, we finally felt some relief and could actually see what was going on.

Muttin Bustin was a little let down for us. In Rodeo's past, I remember all kids being let loose at the same time. This time, they did one at a time. Which I understand why and it was a good thing they did. One little girl (she was hardcore) didn't let go when she started falling off. Somehow she ended up underneath the sheep, while holding onto it's neck and was getting stomped. The cowboys chased it down and got the little girl off. The little 5 year old was fine and the crowd cheered for the brave little girl. Ada had fun watching all of the kids. We asked her if she wanted to do it too and she said that she did. Sorry girly! Never!

So, these motorcyclists were insane! Who in their right mind would EVER try such a stunt? No really, people like this must be high on something while learning how to do this! Made me sick to my stomach a couple of times. I just can't imagine ever getting up one day and saying to myself, "I am going to train how to be a crazy trickster on my motorcycle, because I have nothing better to do." Sounds harsh, but serious!

By this time it was WAY past Ada's bedtime so her reaction to the stunts was pretty funny.

For the finale, they had fireworks, which Ada HATED! She was freaking out! At one point, I helped her cover her ears while she buried her head in Scott's neck. When I moved my hands she cried, "MOM, PUT YOUR HANDS BACK OVER MY EARS!" It was really sad, but funny. It wasn't the ideal way to end such a fun night. We just know for next time to warn her about the really bright colors, followed by loud "BOOMS."