The Great Outdoors!

Well, we had the honor and privilege of setting up a group camping trip this "summer"!!! I say that because really? Anyway, we had a blast! While everyone only came up for one night, we were able to go a bit early and stayed 3 nights, which was much more relaxing than 2 nights!!! The day that everyone came up the weather turned on us, but we didn't care, we made the best of it and had a great time.

Daddy and Gracie, sharing a cuddle on the beach!

Ryder enjoying his sandwich

Dirt Ball!!!


What Mommy, I'm having fun!

Turns out Gracie and I are awesome sand castle builders. I didn't mind when she took credit for building it all her own when this boy asked if it was her sand castle and told her it was really cool!!!

The boys!

This is Zack, he belongs to our dear friends Allison and Scott. She is 5 or so months preggers and braved this camping trip alone with her little guy who is a wee bit older than Ryder, props!!!!

I want what your eating!!!

Oh wait, never mind, I like my food all over my face!

Hey, what's up guys!

Coldy Jasun at the beach on Sat.

Allie, Brent and Jordaloo!

Gracie and Jason braving the rough waters!!! : P

Oh boy!

Mr. and Mrs. Smith

The traditional camp site number picture

The Gang!

The lake shot.

This was nice because we never get a family shot!!! Thanks friends for a wonderful weekend, look forward to next year!

Russian River

Ryan's Aunt and Uncle have a cabin up in the "chilly" Russian River. Ryan and I went up there about 8 or 9 years ago and haven't been since. But, this summer she offered a bunch of the fam. to come up and stay, whenever!!!! We had a nice little 4 dayer here at the cabin. It was freezing but nice to get away and spend some time with the family : D Ryan's Mom and 2 Sisters and our Nephew came up as well!!! Super fun, Apples to Apples, Guestures and hangin' out!!! Super great weekend!

I thought this was hilarious! Can you see Gracie holding up her fingers, squinting through? We are reading "Lady Bug Girl" and she does this from a tree to her brother in the book. She's so clever sometimes!!!! I didn't realize she was doing this until I was looking through the pictures at home!! We went to the Gravenstein Apple festival in Sebastopol. Got a little warmth and apple pie, mmmmmmm.

Ryder happily sweeping up the deck!!!

Thanks Auntie Debbie and Uncle Dan!!!

Boating

Ever since I was little we have been out on the water. While as a youngin' I didn't really enjoy the fast boats my Dad had, I grew up to LOVE being on the water and I still LOVE it. That's why when my Dad asks are you guys up for a boat ride, I drop everything and go!!!! This time we just headed up to the delta for a half day of fun in the sun. The kids had a great time and Bubba came along too!! Gracie is not a huge fan of the rocky waves and the bouncing but she got used to it and all had a nice nap on the way back in.

Ryder enjoying his boat time.

Grandpa letting Ryder steer!

This is my baby Bro and Gracie girl!!!! Aren't they so cute?

Bubba's 8th Birthday

Bubba who has been a proud member of our little family, celebrated his 8th Birthday on Friday!!!! Wow, 8, that's like 56 in Dog years, scratch that, I don't even want to think about him getting old!!! For now, he's happy and healthy, and that's the way we would like to keep it. Anyway, when I mentioned it was Bud's Birthday, the mini party planner in Gracie popped out!!!! All I mentioned was making some party hats and we ended up having a full fledged "party" for the Dog!!!! Oh my!!!! It was fun, I'll have to admit. Besides, everyone knows, I'm always down for a party!!!

I found a recipe online for "doggie cookies", I loved that it was super easy and I already had all the ingredients!

Here they are ready to go into the oven

Ryan pointed out that there was something wrong with these cookies, they had tails, off the tails came!!!

Gracie even cleaned the entire living room for the "party", those are the hats we made on the table!

Look at how happy Bubba is, he's even smiling : D

Blow out your candles Bud, oh I mean your matches!!! Ha Ha, we were not very prepared for this impromptu party!

My original "baby".