Beach House with Pammie

This June we got to go down to the beach house for two weekends in a row with my mom! While we were there, one morning we noticed literally a hundred dolphins and seals moving right along the beach. We sat and watched them for awhile and John got really excited about fishing. He started explaining that there was a huge bait ball and that we should definitely go down to the dock and fish. Well he went out and bought a new fishing pole and the necessary equipment to fish for sardines. Evidently there is a special setup that has several hooks running along it and there is, of course, a special "ocean-fishing" kind of pole. Well, moments after the pole and equipment was purchased, we were down at fisherman's wharf with about 30 other people throwing our line in the water. And, can I tell you? It was actually pretty fun! John would cast out the line and immediately start reeling it in, and it would have a few fish on it! 

Some of them would wriggle off before you could get them in the bucket, but it was the perfect scenario for fishing with a 3 year old! John caught 12 fish and brought them back to the beach house to cook them up. I was definitely hesitant about eating sardines. Eww, yuck those nasty things with lots of bones in cans? Count. Me. Out. Then we barbequed them with a little olive oil, garlic, lemon, and thyme. Oh my. They were fantastic! I couldn't believe they were so good. What an experience!

Look at Lincoln's two little teeth! He finally can eat a little texture with his foods!

Lincoln is such a good cuddler and loved having Grammie Pammie around to give him lots of loves.

If you look just past the boats, you can see the beach house!

We got to take lots of walks this trip, and Ethan even discovered a nice spot of wet cement to run around in! Oops. I guess he didn't read the "caution:wet cement" signs posted all around. Thankfully, the guy was close by and just started laughing and waved us along. It would have been kind of cool to be able to see his footprints along fisherman's wharf every time we are there though.

It's really hard to get a forced smile out of this kid these days. It's a work in progress.

Maybe it was just too bright outside, despite being overcast.

We had a great time at the beach and just running some energy off.

Oh weird, we wound up here again. I wonder exactly how many times we come to this park?

Are you tired of seeing the same park pictures yet?

I hope not, because there's more!

And of course, some of the red slide.

Here the boys go down all by themselves. I can't believe how much they are growing up, and I love watching them play together.

These chaps are just so cute!

These guys love the slide. They still are my favorite kind of park picture. Good thing this park has at least 10 different slides.

We got a family picture! Not perfect, but everyone is focused on the camera.

Memorial Day at Collin's Lake

For Memorial Day Weekend we went to Collin's Lake with the Rossi's. Oh my goodness it was crowded!

 It really wasn't a super warm weekend to go boating, but that didn't stop Teri!

 They brought their trailer and we set up camp just down the hill from them.

 Look at the HUGE fish John caught!

 It might have been cold, but the boat rides are always fun!

 And if we're near water, you know there is a fishing trip planned!

 Ethan and Riley are always willing to pose for the camera.

 It was a beautiful sunset while we were fishing.

 I don't think we caught anything, but it was still a nice ride.

 I think we might have had two desserts that night, ice cream cones, and then s'mores. Shh. Don't tell the kids. Thanks, Rossi's we always have a good time camping/boating with you!

Daddy/Son Campout and a Carnival

Our ward had a Father/Son campout and John only brought his phone (as a camera).

 Since I wasn't there, I can't give great commentary.

 John said it was great to hang out with everyone and they woke up early the next morning to break camp and eat pancakes, yum!

 Ethan told every person we met, at least for a month about how "daddy drove over three rivers and he is crazy."

 Evidently, the road was a little low and John had to drive through the water that ran over the roadway to get in and out of the campsite. Ethan thought it was insane!

After they got back, John went to work and I took the boys to a nearby carnival at a school.

Lincoln was not too happy about hanging out in the stroller.

Ethan loved the fishing games.

And the fishing games.

But, impressively, he got two "ringers" in horseshoe!

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!