Gonna Get You!

Round 2

MM took on the tile floor for a second round (1st was the chipped tooth), and the tile prevailed again.  MM took her fat lip like a champ.

Camping: Video

The last half is admittedly boring unless you're a grandparent.

Camping: Morning before Heading Home

Bobbins, Josie, Olden, and I crammed into our tent and onto the Queen-sized air mattress we purchased for this trip.  Olden and Josie were probably the most comfortable and warm.  It was nice to hear the wind blowing through the trees once Jonah (who was having a rough night even with Tylenol) quieted down in Kevin and Jessica's car.

MM probably had the best arrangements -- the Sequoia and pack'n'play all to herself, nice and quiet.

In the morning she and I went for a walk and found an old tennis ball.  Olden took to it quickly.

What a great mom!











We took the scenic route home, avoiding the freeway until the last hour.  MM and Josie caught up on their sleep while Bobbins continued reading her book.

It was a great trip.

Camping: Night

After the lake it was back to camp for chow and rest.

Our initial fire wasn't going to cut it.

Kevin had the brilliant idea, learned from the Indians, of chopping a 10' section of downed tree trunk to burn in our fire.  I wasn't sure it was feasible but it turned out perfect.  It took us about ten minutes to cut our piece.

Then we towed it back to site.

MM was impressed.

Jess prepared some fantastic chili which Kevin warmed up.  We used styrofoam cups to eat it.  MM ate most of my beans for me.  You can see the top of our log burning in the fire.

Here's a better illustration of the fire.  As the top burned out, we kept pushing more in.  I think the fact that it was a thick log prevented the whole thing from going up in flames.

Bedtime

Camping: Lake

After establishing base camp we set out for a nearby lake whose name escapes me.  It was a fishing and canoeing lake, not swimming, but we took it on anyway.

MM and Bobbins jumped in the water and discovered that it was at least 6' deep at the edge.

Larry got his fishing in

MM very helpfully pooped on these rocks.  It was easy to dunk her in the lake to clean up.

"Dad, I really need a nap."

Jenny, in the blue and white striped shirt, really braved it, being 39 weeks pregnant.  She saved us with some awesome snacks too.

"This wasn't what I had in mind, Dad, but it'll work."

Camping: Arrival

This weekend we escaped the heat and joined some friends in the woods near Flagstaff for an overnight camping trip.  We drove up a gravel road not far from Lake Mary, found a suitable site, and pitched our tents for free (and legally).  Yes, we took a less-than-a-month old baby into the wilderness without running water, toilets, or emergency services at the beginning of summer monsoon season.  It didn't rain and we had fantastic weather.  We had a great time.

This cow had already claimed our site but Olden chased him away

Larry provided back-up

Even though it wasn't an official campground many people had been there before; there was already a firepit.

Kevin couldn't hold it any longer after the 3 hour drive up.



(that's a cow patty)

The highest it got was about 80 during the day


Bobbins just bought that outfit on sale at Target for $10

With young kids, this is what camping is about:  working your butt off so they can enjoy everything.  Ten years from now, it will be reverse.

L to R: MM, Tessia, Sienna, Jonah

Already a hit with the ladies?

"I don't need any toys Mom, I'm just chillin' for a while"

R.I.P. Mrs. O

Say hi to George for us

    

At the Big Table

MM made the step up to the regular table out of the high chair this week.  Along with the walking, she's really advanced the last two weeks.  It's been amazing to see.

I'm not sure if cleaning up spaghetti is any easier at the table over the high chair. . .









Bobbins has been resting in the morning so MM and I have had some nice breakfasts together

She's really good about eating off her plate.  I don't have any photos, but she's slowly getting the hang of using a spoon.  She's coming right along, the little booger.

Walker, MM Ranger

We've got a walker!

Helping Aunt Pearl

Last Saturday MM and I headed east to help Aunt Pearl move into her new apartment.  MM had slept in, so we didn't have to help load, just unload.  It was overcast so we had shade but it was very humid.  With all the help the job wasn't too bad.

Telling Aunt Sharon the rules of indoor soccer

Pearl organizing the new kitchen

Grandma Jay doing her part

Helping Grandpa

Break time

Are you sure you know how to juggle Uncle Jack?