Fun on the 4th

For the Fourth we watched the Stadium of Fire from our usual super-secret spot (which has become not-so-secret over the years). We staked out a spot then went to In-N-Out with our neighbors, did a little birthday shopping for Zoe then went back to our spot to hang with the Nelsons and the Namannys. As usual we brought tons of toys and activities for the kids (bubbles, nail polish, hula hoops, etc.) and enjoyed the time waiting for fireworks almost as much as the fireworks themselves.

California AND Bust!

A quick note on the car ride to California - it was not that great (I would say it was awful, but the trip home will get that title). Zoe was an angel and kept herself entertained, but Owen was not a happy camper. It took us 12 hours to get out there and we didn't leave until 3 in the afternoon. Both kids threw up - Owen gagging himself on a fry and Zoe got carsick when we turned on the portable DVD player we had brought. Luckily, we were just passing a rest stop and were able to go in the exit. Unfortunately it was a nasty one, didn't have any paper towels, and the sink was the kind you have to push a button with one hand the entire time you want water to come out of the faucet. So for the majority of the trip we were pretty stinky. And we got to spend our first day on vacation hosing down Zoe's carseat and doing laundry.

On to more pleasant subjects - WE LOVE GRASS VALLEY! Friday night (the 3rd) we went to a great BBQ with so many of our friends. Thank you to the Greens for planning it and thank you to the DeMartinis for hosting. Of course we didn't take one single picture.

On the 4th (Bill's birthday) we got up and went to the parade. It was hot, we stood around for hours, and then we didn't even get any candy (because none was thrown). Sheesh! James and I aren't parade people to begin with, so I think we've sworn them off for a while now. Oh well. Zoe enjoyed it and Owen didn't complain too much. Then we went home, rested up, and hit the fairgrounds for Bill's birthday celebration and fireworks. We hit up treat street for dinner and got a great spot to watch the fireworks. I couldn't believe how well the kids did on such little rest. It must have been all that cake and fried food - works every time.

Sunday we went to the good ole Nevada City ward. I can't overstate how wonderful all the people are there. I always feel like I'm coming home, and I've only attended the ward a few times.

Still to come - Zoe's birthday, trips to the river, more missed picture opportunities, and getting down with Aunt JoAnne. And the trip to Oregon.

The Lake (Take 2)

Yep, we went to the lake again. This time to show it off to my side of the family. And this time we remembered to bring the food so I wasn't so grumpy. I still forgot the fishing stuff, so maybe next time I'll get everything right. The day was gorgeous and we had a great walk all the way around.


That night - Saturday - we decided to do some of our own fireworks. We didn't make it past the sparklers because of the wind, but Zoe enjoyed it anyway. Like everything else she enjoys, she looks absolutely indifferent and then as soon as something is over, she asks for more or to do it again. She loved fireworks. Good thing there will be more in a couple weeks for Pioneer Day.