Flat Stanley Came to Visit

Our kids' cousin Hope, who lives in Massachusetts, is sending Flat Stanley around the country and the world as part of a class project. We were lucky enough to have him stop here, in Reedley this past weekend. We had such a good time taking him around the area. It was great to share about what makes Reedley Reedley. This was Hannah's (and my) first try at making a video/movie. I know the timing is SLOW but that is so that Hope's class can read it. Next time, we'll try adding music or something. See what you think...

Dinkey Creek Weekend

Last weekend, we took our final camping trip for 2008. We went up to Dinkey Creek Campground in the Sierra National Forest. It was tons of fun! Monica, Steve and their family, Paul and his boys, and our whole family went up for one night. The weather was beautiful, the air was clean, and the scenery was an indescribable wonder! For the most part we hung around camp and laughed. But we did find time to hike around Dinkey Creek. The kids played catch and other crazy games. I can't wait to go again in the spring to see the creek in full flow! Check out the pictures!

The Guys Turned 40!

Well, David, Steve, and Paul all turned 40 this summer! For David's birthday, in June, we took a 4-day trip to Las Vegas. In July, there was a surprise party for Paul and to punctuate the summer of 40th birthdays, Monica planned a surprise party at Camp 4 1/2 for Steve. We spent hours cooling and relaxing in the Kings River...check out the pictures!

Summertime Fun

This summer we stayed pretty close to home because the kids went to summer school. We did get away for a couple of brief respites from the San Joaquin Valley heat. In July, Hannah turned eleven and India turned sixteen! I know...SIXTEEN!!! For India's birthday, my best friend, Monica and I took her and her best friend, Sarina to Santa Cruz for a couple of days of fun. We spent the evening at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Mystery Spot (what a COOL place!)and had a bunch of fun.

We had such a good time going with the girls that the whole family slipped away to Santa Cruz for one night in August. We again, went to the Baordwalk and enjoyed some rides(Pirate Ship's my favorite)and far-from-healthy snacks. On the second day, we drove up north, looked around downtown and went to Natural Bridges Park. It was a quick trip but we had a wonderful time! Check out the pictures!

Hannah's Mishap

Hannah went out bike riding with her friend, Annelise on Thursday night. Next thing I knew, Annelise was running in the door yelling, "Hannah's hurt! She can't get up! She crashed and she can't get up!" Knowing how dramatic Hannah can be, I assumed it was a little mishap, so India and I rode our bikes the two blocks to where she had fallen.

When we got there, I knew immediately that something was wrong because it was very swollen on one side and she couldn't put any weight on it, at all. I sped home, got the car, and took her directly to the emergency room. After 4 hours, 3 x-rays, and a splint, they said, "fractured tibia" and sent us home with instructions to see an orthopedist the following day to get it cast.

At 1:30 on Friday we arrived at Children's Hospital. The doctor had seen her x-rays and came in telling us that surgery would be necessary because of the type and location of the fracture. Hannah was NOT happy to hear any of this. David, Sam, India, and I sat with her before the surgery and waited together while she was in. She came through great but with a big boot surrounding her foot. oh, and crabbier than ever but okay!

We were hoping to go home on Saturday but the doctor said he'd like to see her foot elevated for at least one more night. Hannah was ready to explode but it turned out well because she's feeling markedly better today (Sunday) and after she walks the halls on her crutches, we will, at long last, get to go home!

It's looking like she'll be in a cast for somewhere between 10 and 16 weeks! So much for summertime softball and swimming...Fortunately, Hannah's concern has moved to what kind of birthday party she'll have without swimming. Her plans had been for a "Survivor" party! Now, who knows...

P.S. I am so thankful for Children's Hospital. They are amazingly wonderful and awesome!!!

Springtime Camping

Late last Friday, we drove up to Yosemite for a weekend of springtime camping. We camped at Wawona, just steps from the Merced River. It was a treat to hear the rushing water as we fell asleep. The weather was warm and sunny. In fact, it was over 90 degrees in Yosemite Valley!

We started our day by driving down from our campground to Bridalveil Falls. It was amazing! After taking in the misty beauty of the falls, we went on to McGurk Meadow, another incredible sight to see. From there, you can see the entire valley and imagine the valley completely filled with glacial ice 30,000 years ago! We toured around the valley looking at the sites and then headed back to Wawona.

India and I took a hike down the river and encountered swarms of ladybugs. India was delighted when dozens of ladybugs were landing all over her. That is, until they started biting! It was hard not to laugh...

Hannah, Sam, and India spent quite a bit of time looking around by the water and David and I got some much needed relaxation time...time to just sit.

Yosemite National Park is a place like no other. I really liked this quote about it. "Not just a great Valley...but a shrine to human foresight, strength of granite, power of glaciers, the persistence of life, and the tranquility of the High Sierra."