Camping at Big Sur

We went camping to Big Sur and had so much fun!

 After setting up camp, we immediately started the fire. It was COLD!

 Lincoln loved sitting in the big camping chairs by himself.

 The following morning we set out on a short hike at Julia Pfieffer State Park. It was a quick, but beautiful hike!

 I think it's the only place in the United States where a waterfall lands on a beach.

 My handsome boys!

 Ethan really enjoyed running through the tunnel that ran under the freeway.

 There was even a nice little river that ran alongside the pathway.

 We returned back to camp for some snacks. Our campsite had a few Albino Redwoods growing there. Weird.

 Then we set out on the longest hike ever! We didn't realize it was going to be so intense at the time, of course. We hiked from our campsite to Pfieffer State Park and the hike was not all that well-used, and seemed a bit treacherous for my liking -- especially with a three-year-old.

 Once we got to Pfieffer, we took a hike up to see some waterfalls. Along the way, we stopped to take a rest and this gigantic snake slithered right behind where I was standing!

 We made it to the top, and definitely enjoyed the view.

 On the way back, we decided that walking along the highway back to camp was a good idea. Still scary, but less scary.

 Don't you worry, we made our s'mores that night!

 Bringing a high chair was a brilliant idea, Lincoln stayed much cleaner this way!

 On our way home, we stopped at our favorite park!

 We couldn't just drive right be and not take advantage of the red slide.

 Look at these cute brothers.

 Ethan hated the swings when he was little. Lincoln LOVES them!

 We had such a nice weekend, and what a great way to end it!

Hiking around...

One afternoon, we decided to go hike around Lafayette Reservoir. We've gone fishing there several times, but this time, John left the poles at home and we hiked around the reservoir, I think it's just over 2 miles.

 Ethan didn't last too long in the carrier. He wanted to RUN! And it was hot enough outside, we were happy to let him!

 All around the reservoir there are fantastic views. It just felt so nice to be outside!

 Lincoln loves the hiking backpack.

Along the way they had signs talking about the wildlife or plants. Ethan loved looking at all the pictures and then playing i-spy along the hike.

Can you spy the deer?

 Ethan would say his legs were getting tired towards the end, but then he would sprint towards me. He made it the whole way though! Such a strong kid!

Happy Easter!

Easter weekend we were still in Utah, after celebrating Pammie's Graduation. The boys had fun dying the Easter eggs.

 The did a marvelous job of coating them with sticker and the other whatnots.

 Easter morning came bright and early (I was hoping the time change would let me sleep in a little - but it did not!)

 I had a friend of mine make matching hats for the boys. We really need to go to Disneyland with these! Sidenote: Every time Ethan watches a Disney movie and the castle comes on in the beginning, he always gasps, "Mommy, you forgot to take me there today." That we did, Buddy.

 The Easter Bunny brought punch balloons for the boys!

 And a bubble gun! It might be freezing outside, but anything goes when bubbles are involved!

 Chocolate Bunny Ears - The breakfast of champions.

 Lincoln was much more health-conscious and opted for the pancakes.

 Ethan had so much fun playing with Grammie Pammie's train set!

 We had so much fun with Pammie, Uncle Nate, and Honey this weekend!

 Technically, this picture did not happen Easter weekend, but I had to show a picture of the boys in their cute hats!

Grammie Pammie Graduates from BYU!

I love that my mom got into BYU and now is graduating! I'm so proud of her and, of course, love the opportunity to lecture her on talking on the phone and making sure she is keeping up on her studies. I flew out with the kids to watch her graduate. The night before, they had a smaller graduation ceremony with just the people in her program.

 Can you spot Grammie Pammie in the middle?

 She was well-loved by everyone in her class. We had lots of people tell us how awesome she is.

 Then they had a little food reception, of course. She graduated in Dietetics, so of course they would have food there! What a good major!

 We got to hang out with my Cousin, Annie, and her little boy, Kamdyn.

 The boys got along so well!

 The following morning was the real deal, the one in the Marriott Center. Doesn't she look so excited?

 My mom was surprised to find out that ALL of her siblings came to watch her graduate. She had no idea they were all coming. My aunt Karla helped me out with the boys during the graduation. I think they did remarkably well for a 2 hour event.

 Her she is doing the hand-shaking and diploma-receiving.

 It's official!

 Here are the kids! Her favorite kids of course! Ok, my sister might be having a baby in a few weeks, and Nate might be working, but we know who really loves her ;)

 What good is a graduation without some food to celebrate! After the big to-do, we all went o my Aunt Karla's house to fill up our bellies. Here is My Aunt Lori with my brother, Jared.

 My uncle Reggie, Glen girlfriend (can't remember her name, oops!), Uncle Glen, and my Aunt Sharleen.

 My Uncle Dale is sitting next to Justin.

 Here are all the Storer children! Dale, Sharleen, Pammie, Glen, Lori and Karla!

 Ethan and Justin making a little mischief.

 Lincoln said he really enjoyed the cake.

 Later on, Justin made the mistake of falling asleep on the couch. Nice 'stache, bro.

Happy 40th Tim!

John's brother, Tim, turned 40 this year! We got to go over to his house for some fantastic sandwiches and chocolate cake.

 Ethan could see Tim was going to need some assistance blowing out all those candles.

 He also provided some supervision while Sharon cut up the cake.

 Lincoln kept Grandma company.

 Then we all got to dig in to some chocolate!

 Every time we go to Tim's house, we take a family photo in front of his house. I love this tradition!