Yosemite Experience

After San Fran we needed a break from all the people. So.. we went camping. We weren't quite sure WHAT to expect but it turned out to be not exactly what we expected. You know?

Yosemite is gorgeous, but there were A LOT of people everywhere. It is a tourist destination, not so much a laid back "camping" trip.

We had lots of fun, even though we spent a long time waiting in line to hike rather than actually hiking. And the campers that were camped 5 feet away from us were really nice. The s'mores were delish and my kids got good and dirty. I think camping is especially important for kids today. Unplugging for a few days feels great. We love camping and wish we could go more often...




































Now, if we only had a few big boulders in our backyard my little hikers would be set. Nothing like rock climbing in your pajama's first thing in the morning! :)

The City by the Bay

Whew! I am way behind in blogging, but what else is new? I better get these photos up before our next trip comes along!

We went to San Francisco for Kyle to go to CE. My mom met us there so we could go out and about with four kids easier. Some highlights:


Our first evening there we ran into these super cute twin ladies. We happen to be given a table next to them and they talked our ears off. They were so adorable but one of them kept repeating herself more times than I could count. They finished each others sentences and broke into song simultaneously the entire time. Very entertaining. After we came home I discovered pictures and videos of them all over the internet. Here is a video I found on youtube. Check them out!




We visited the Golden Gate park. It was HUUUUGE. In there we saw the Japanese Tea Gardens. The girls kept thinking it was full of fairy houses.


I hardly have any pictures of Cooper. That's because he was stuck in this thing the whole time.










Also in the park was a carousel that we rode 5 times. There was a playground that was amazing, it had "wave" climbing walls and an awesomely tall slide.


Just in front of the hotel:


Browsing China town was really fun. The girls went in each jewelry shop there (there are tons) and admired almost every piece of jewelry.

One night my mom and I went to Wicked. (thanks Mom!!) So gooooood!!!! (No pics of that)...

Pier 39 had tons of cool stuff too. We found a fun mirror maze, the kids loved it.


Kyle and I rode the ROCKET BOAT. It was so fast and fun and I got drenched. It was my favorite thing!


Check out those strawberries! YUM!


Another day we went to Yerba Buena gardens and found another AMAZING playground. I think we hung out here for like 4 hours. Ryder couldn't get enough of the little water streams and his new cable car, Breckyn went down the massive slide a million times and Kyra scampered here and there doing a little of everything.



Breckyn found this picture and was so excited because she learned all about him in Kindergarten.


Of course we drove over the Golden Gate Bridge and it was breathtaking.


It was pretty there. Even on the freeways.


On the way out we stopped by the Oakland Temple. After all the business and hullabaloo of the big city it was nice to feel peace and quiet again.


Thanks Mom for coming along! We loved having you with us :)

I know that was a generic and boring travelogue but I don't have time for any more! :)

Summer sillies

Girls doing their thing. Ryder doing his. The kid likes to be clothes-free. I don't fight it.


Well, I suppose they all like to be without clothes to an extent.


The boys.


Kyle carrying all the offspring.

Ryder is tough

He may cross dress on occasion, but he definitely favors cars, trucks, motorcycles, dinosaurs, tools etc., over any of the girls toys. One night recently he insisted on having his car in his crib with him. This was no hot wheels car. Check it out.

4 month STATS:

weight: 17 lb. 5 oz.
height: 26 inches
-has rolled over twice (tummy to back)
-is always chewing at his hands
-takes a pacifier pretty well (I'm trying to have a non-thumbsucker for once)
-sleeps 12 hour nights waking up twice, on a lucky night once
-between 2 and 3 naps a day
-LOTS of babbling going on
-size 3 diapers
-still squeezing him into 3-6 month clothing, 6-12 fits better though (today he is wearing a comfy 12-18 m outfit!)
-tolerates his swing and bouncer for small periods but mostly just LOVES to be held and snuggled
-started to grasp and bat at/kick toys
-LOVES bathtime
-LOVES being outside
-love love LOVES being in the beco carrier
-still eating about every two hours :)

Cooper Danny - 3 month pics

My favorite photographer (and good friend), took Cooper's 3 month pictures for us a while back. She did a good job capturing his delicious rolls and cute facial expressions. Here's a few of my faves. Thanks Erica!!

Yeah, so?

My kid likes to dress up as a ballerina.

Goodbye Kindergarten!

Kyra getting a taste of the Kindergarten carpet with her sis.


Mrs. Stanley is the best teacher in the world and we love her so much! She is a teacher that just LOVES her students so much. Not to mention every single person in her class has mad reading/writing skills now thanks to her.


She read The Kissing Hand on the very first day of school and then again on the last day. Except today she changed it to Mrs. Stanley being the mother raccoon sending her little raccoon off to 1st grade. Then she gave them all a "kiss" stamp. It was so sweet as she choked back tears.



Breckyn with her best friend.


I take comfort knowing I can send Kyra to Mrs. Stanley soon!