{Camping at Yuba}

Every summer we try to plan a camping trip to Yuba Lake. We try to go during the week, it's not so busy and crazy then. We survived a few dust storms, got to see a gorgeous double rainbow, hung out with the family and some friends, and just enjoyed being there. Poor Bryson broke his elbow just a few days before we went out. He felt so bad that he couldn't get in the water and play with the other kids.

We fished!
We played in the boat!

We water skied! Carson was the only one of the kids that would try and he did GREAT! Some of us also knee boarded and wake boarded.

We jumped on the water tramp!

We played in the sand and water.....LOTS!

Carlie played so hard, she just kept crashing as soon as she sat down!

We tubed.....even Chevy got in on the tubing action. And to eveyones amazement, so did I! We even got my mom on the tube for her first time ever! I'd love to post pictures, but that was one of her conditions if she went....no published pictures!

We jet skied!

We just plain had fun with our family!

You all are welcome to join us next year..... I'll let you know when we are going!

{Randomness}

I can't believe the summer is half over already. Is it just me or is time going faster? The boys finished summer school last week and we've been trying to adjust to our new schedule (or lack there-of, if I'm being honest). We enjoyed a fun Fourth of July weekend. I love the Fourth in our little community. Carlie and I enjoyed watching the parade with our families, while Derrick, our boys and Sydney represented Dearden Equipment. After the parade we spent some time in the park. We ate yummy Navajo Taco's, visited with some friends and waited in long lines. I have to say we had the most generous (and cutest) candy throwers. I think they dumped almost half a box of taffy on the road in front of us!
For a small town we have a pretty great fireworks show, and this year was no exception! After the big show, we had a little one in our back yard, but the rain cut it short.
Carlie finally got her cast off on the 6th. I was proud of her she was super brave!
Saturday the kids came running in the house yelling, SNAKE! Sure enough there was a big blow snake on the patio. I swear it was almost 3 feet long! Somehow, it ended up in the window well, with Obi our cat. He kept batting at it, but the snake got him a few times too. The kids ran downstairs to look through the window for ring side seats.
Poor Obi, can you see his fur-less chin? When he finally got out of the window well and we were looking at the snake, we could see fur in that sneaky snakes mouth. Poor kitty.

Last night was Bunko at Sheri's house. The food was yummy, the company was great, and the prizes were fantastic. Isn't that the funnest, funky, darling apron! It's the one I got and I L.O.V.E. it! Bunko Rocks!

What fun things have you been up to?

{If you're happy and you know it.....Do a Cheer!}

Last week Carlie went to mini Cheer camp. They went for three mornings and she had so much fun! They learned some cute little cheers and a dance. She was so excited that she got to go with her cousins, Tylie and Addie, and that "Telsey" (Kelsey) was her teacher. Aunt Lisa even made all the cousins adorable matching bows for their hair. And on the last day they did a little performance for the parents.

She started out pretty good. She did the first cheer and maybe half the second one....and she even smiled! But, well, it just went downhill from there. For the next 2 cheers she picked her nose! (NO, I didn't take pictures of that!)

And then we were treated to MANY dirty and grumpy looks from our girl! I tried to get a picture with her two teachers and her friend Lindsey, but she wasn't having any of that! So, we gave up and headed for the door, where they handed her a popsicle.
That cheered her up pretty dang quick! Oh well, she said she had fun, we all got a good laugh out of her defiant moodiness, and she looked pretty cute....dirty looks and all! Maybe next year she can have her popsicle before the performance?!?!

{I ♥ a Good Day at the Lake}

I love me a good day at the lake! I DO....(I know what some of you are thinking), but I truly do. We decided to head over to Yuba lake on Wed afternoon. Brock was at scout camp so we invited my nephew Bryson to come with us. As we cruised around the lake, played and enjoyed the day I kept thinking how crazy it is that this girl who really has a phobia of the water really, truly loves being at the lake.

I love Carlie's glee full giggle and that she always wants dad to hit the "bumpies". I love the fresh smell of the water. I love sandy feet (and other body parts). I love that the lake is only 35 miles away. I love the gentle rocking of the boat, as I watch the kids play on the beach. I love the coconut mango smell of our favorite sunscreen.

I love the"O crap" wide eyed look Bryson gets when he sees a big bump coming up. I love the sound of the ski flag whipping in the wind. I love the white capped swells as we ride out a windstorm, and the mirror glass of calmer waters. I love the quick detour to Nephi for yummy Mexican food at the end of the day. I love that the boys are so much braver than they were last year, and that they had a blast riding in the tube. I love the unexpected spray of water that takes your breath away (as long as it's not on my face). I love K's toothless grin. I love the silent ride home because everyone is exhausted from a fun filled day.

I love that he's my man, and that he loves every minute we spend on the lake, whether it's a good day or even the not so good days.

I ♥ a Day at the Lake!
And just for a laugh I had to add this picture! What mean brothers she has!?! "But it's a sanchez, Mom," they say.