Donner Party of Nine

After a 10 year hiatus for Mark and an estimated 14 year hiatus for Sheena, it was time to get back to our camping roots. The kids had never been, so it was all new to them. The Vandy's had invited us to join them up at Donner Memorial State Park, and it was welcome news to our ears seeing that the temp in the valley was bubbling around 105 F. The adventure started before we had even arrived as the car decided to overheat with about 30 minutes left of our drive After a couple of pit stops we arrived safe and sound with very hungry bellies. Leslie had the idea of picking up Subway for lunch before we even left town this morning and it turned out to be a great idea. Our site looked good from a distance besides the lack of full shade that was promised, but upon closer examination by the kids, it turned out to be one the dirtiest dirts we have ever seen. When all of us adults having trouble staying clean, we knew we didn't have a chance with the kids! But we were camping and it's all a part of roughing it, plus they had such a great time digging around in the dirt. After a quick set-up, it was off to the beach to cool down and clean off. Unfortunately the nice groomed beach that is visible from the highway was for members only, but fear not, we were allowed to share the public space along Dog Beach. Appropriately named by the way. It turned out to be a decent beach in the end, and the water was actually quite pleasant. Leslie might have a different view of it, seeing how she tried to hike a half mile to get to the beach from the other side with baby Allie in tow, only to find herself stranded and having to turn back. Nonetheless, the beach was a welcome break from the dirt. Back at the camp Spencer and Abigail roasted weiners and marshmallows for the first time. Spencer even liked eating the marshmallows burned. Unfortunately the gas stove had to brought out for the weiners as the ladies couldn't stomach the look of fire cooked wieners. After supper we all made our way up to the the nearby ampitheater for an unknown free event. The kids were so excited as they hiked along with their flashlights and lanterns certain that it was going to be the Wiggles! We were all surprised that we were about to be a part of a thrilling Camp version of Jeopardy! Leslie and I were kind enough to volunteer our hubbies as the team leaders. Long story short, the kids started to lose interest...we couldn't blame them, Leslie and I couldn't stop laughing, and by the time Final Jeopardy came we were all more than ready for bed! It was a nail biting final jeopardy as the Bats edged out the Chipmunks! Bedtime was now upon us, and so was a massive headache for Mark. After a shower to wash the filth off the kids they were asleep within minutes. Mark's headache got so bad it warranted a 3:00am trip to the gas station for Advil. Abigail's snotty nose routine made it difficult for any of us to catch many zzzzz'z, aside from Spencer who at one time was found sleeping between the tent and the mattress. The next morning we all had bacon and eggs for breakfast. Leslie and I then took the kids for a hike so they could say farewell to "Pip" the campsite chipmunk and the guys could pack everything up without too many "helping" hands. Then we were off.. All in all, it was a great time, and we look forward to our next adventure camping soon. We've included a quick video of one of the songs the kids loved singing with Leslie on their Diego adventure. Unfortunately we weren't able to capture Leslie's stunning performance of the Statue of Liberty with burning marshmallows.

Donner Party of Nine - More Pics

Abigail and Luke, one of my favorite all time pictures, aren't they adorable!!

Sunny Sun Splash

We decided to take the kids to Sun Splash today since they ask to go everytime we pass the park, and considering we bought season passes and only gone once before, it was time to get our money's worth! It didn't take long for Mark to be whistled at by the lifeguards as we found out that the kids can no longer wear their water wings and had to put on life jackets. After a little bit of getting used to the new floatation devices, they were swimming, sliding, and riding the waves in the wave pool. After some time, Abigail took to her California roots and thought it better to sit on the side and soak up some rays, while Spencer continued being the little fish he is, literally drinking it up. We capped it off with a couple of rounds around the lazy river, then headed home. We had a really fun morning and hope to get back for at least one more visit before the season ends.

Play Date with the Neighbors

Last Thursday we had our neighbors over for a playdate. All of the kiddos got to play while the mommies had some grown up conversation time! All of the kids were playing quitely and when we went to see what they were doing this is what we stumbled upon. Apparantly everything in the play room had been moved into Abigail's bedroom. Spencer had been acting as Santa Clause and he was handing out toys to the other kids. I had to get a picture of this one...can you spot Luke!! Leslie then orchestrated a massive clean up plan. All of the kids were eager to put everything back in its place and then surprise me. We feel very blessed to have such wonderful friends and neighbors!