Camping - Santa Cruz

Back in early August we went on one last camping trip before school started.  We went with some friends of ours and their kids.  It was a great time ... the kids loved having other kids to play with.  They had all brought along their scooters and were able to scooter around the campground.

Even camping, the kids still wanted to play with their gaming devides.  Mason and Syndey sat in the same chair and watched each other play.

There was a nice area for a good ol' game of baseball.

While they played baseball, Kyla played in the dirt ... it's what she does.

Hangin' out at the beach.  We were worried that it was going to be cloudy and cold but it burned off just as we got there.

Cutie.

Mason can be so silly.  I think he was doing a silly dance here while playing soccer with Brian.

Wow, does he look grown up or what?

Man, that water was cold.  The girls didn't mind at all.

Mason and Nolan got in as well but didn't stay in long.

We saw this laying on the beach (turned over) and told Mason it was a piece of seaweed.  We had him touch it and everything.  A few minutes later, we took a good look at it and turned it over and realized it was some kind of a ray.  Mason was so mad at us that we had him touch it ... it was a good laugh for the rest of us.

Aaaaaaawww!

Like I said, Kyla loves to play in the dirt ... it's what she does.  She absolutely loves the beach.

A decent pictof all of us.

We took the kids on a little hike through the redwoods.

Buddies.

Down at the swimming hole we found while hiking.  We'll be sure to wear our suits and hang out down there next time.

Mason's favorite ... Bunny Ears!

Nolan and Mason.

Another group photo.

Camping - Lake Tahoe

Brian participated in a relay swim across Lake Tahoe so we spent a few days camping up there.  We stayed at Zephyr Cove which nice because it's right across from the beach.  Walkable.  The downside to camping there was that you feel a little bit like you're right in the middle of town.  And really, you are.  The nice part of camping so close to town is that we were able to go out for pizza one night and I was able to get away and gamble for a few hours.  I had a great afternoon and made $60.00.  (Thanks for letting me out, Brian)

The kids frolicked around in the water but it was too cold for me!  Brrrrr. 

Brian and Mason played football on the beach and Kyla enjoyed pretending she was a puppy doggy and fetching the ball from the water.  She still loves pretending she's a dog.  Look at his rockin' body.

The best picture I could get because Kyla wouldn't cooperate.  M.S. Dixie is in the background.

We went on a hike to Horsetail Falls.  We didn't make it all the way to the base of the waterfall but the kids hiked about a mile and a half each way.  It took us about 3 hours ... I was so impressed with the kids.  They hiked through some rocky terrain and didn't start complaining until we were almost done.  I love having outdoorsy and adventuresome kids.  They have been so much fun to be around.

Kyla spotted this unusual looking tree with an L shape.  Both kids posed for a picture.

Kyla's turn.

Hey cutie!

My turn to be in a picture.  We sat on a big slab of granite.

Mason gets the biggest kick out of bunny ears!

Relaxing during lunch time.  Mason loves to play with Brian's face.

Kyla thought it was the funniest thing ever.

See the falls in the background?

Luckily there was a dog beach nearby so Roscoe could get some exercise and cool off.  He loves fetching in the water.  Dry land, not a chance.

Wet dog!

While growing up, I went camping during the summers with a friend.  We used to make, "fuddpuckers".  I'm not sure why there were called that.  You take a nice green stick and wrap bisquits around it.  I made Mason one with 3 bisquits.  The Big Kahuna!

Everyone else likes them with butter and honey.  I prefer butter and jelly on min.  I love his crazy face.

While Brian was swimming the kids and I were beached out so we went to a local park.

Aaaah, camping is so relaxing.

Hanging out in the trailer.

Camping at Lawson's Landing

After our night in the RV Park, we headed to our next destination which was Lawson's Landing. It's a huge area for camping on Dillon Beach (which is approx 7 miles from Bodega Bay). Several of Brian's co-workers have camped there so we decided to give it a try. It's just a grassy area - you set up camp wherever you want because there isn't hook-ups. We found the perfect site (with a fire-pit and table) that had a huge secluded sandy area for the kids to play and look for seashells. All we had to do was climb a little sand dune and we were at the beach but it wasn't close enough that I had to worry about the kids. They have a small general store and a pier where people seem to hang out. The only downside was it was very windy both days ... the first day was also VERY cold and we weren't dressed for it. I have a feeling it's windy often.

This camping trip was much smoother than our overnight at Folsom Lake. I don't know if Brian and I have gotten better at it or are more organized or what. The kids certainly were better this time. They played on their own a lot. At one point M was in coloring at the table in the trailer. Brian and I were shocked. They walked Roscoe a lot, played in the sand, hiked up the sand dunes over and over, searched for seashells and explored. It was so good for all of us.

I've realized the one of the most challenging things for me as a parent is to let go a little (with M). While riding his bike in the RV Park, when he got out of my site (for a minute or so ... tops) I couldn't help but worrying about all the what if's. What if he gets run over, what if someone kidnaps him, what if he gets lost ... etc. Reality check -there was very little traffic in the RV Park, stranger abductions are rare, and he could practically get me anywhere in Sacramento without getting lost. Relax Melissa. I have to remember that he is getting a little older and is very responsible. I can't imagine how I will feel when he starts driving.

Great one of M.

Looking up at our kite. It was the easiest kite flying ever because of the gusty winds.

She loved laying in the warm sand but ended up getting it all over her face and in her mouth. (see it)

Fun with the kite.

Running from the water. He had so much fun and ended up getting soaking wet .... brrrr!

Sand castles.

She wouldn't look at me but I like this one anyways.

Mr. Photogenic.

M threw the ball a few times for Roscoe but Roscoe was a little nervous with the waves. He's more of a river dog.

Our camp ... during the clean-up process. The kids climbed up this hill dozens of times and it's much bigger than it appears in the picture.

The sand dune on the other side - you're almost there K. Keep going.


I'm going to bed ... exhausted. Caught a cold while on our camping trip and have been coughing all evening. Hope I feel better tomorrow because I work all weekend.