Happy 70th Birthday Mom!!!

Happy 70th Birthday!!! You are the best mom ever. We went up to Dayton, Neveda to celebrate my mom's birthday. We were there on Friday to Tuesday. We had a fun day. We went to the Reno LDS Temple to seal some of our family members together forever. It was a wonderful experience. We went to see Julia and Julie for the birthday. Afterwards, we celebrated with my mom's favorite cake - Coconut cake.

You are still beautiful!

Most of the family was there to be with mom.

Bekki, Kelly and Ian were there.

The Road Trip Continues to Donner's Pass

We continue our road trip to the Donner Monument. This is where the Donner party was stuck on the mountain. I learned about the Donner Party in California History, so it was very exciting to see and learn more about the circumstances surrounding this time in history. I think everyone enjoyed this trip


The monument was huge. The monument was as high as the snow the year of the Donner Party's time on the mountain.

This path takes you down to see the places where various families had made an attempt at shelter. Adam looks like we might leave him here. If you get up around Lake Tahoe, be sure to stop and see the monument.

A side trip to Lake Tahoe

One of the days we were at Grandma and Grandpa's house, we headed for Lake Tahoe. We took a road trip. I love road trips. We just drove up above Tahoe. At one point we drove over road where there was Lake Tahoe on both sides. It was breathtaking. The water was so blue and the air smelled of pine. It was magical. We stopped at a vista point and took pictures.

I love this picture of my mom and Anna.

Having fun with Grandma

It is a handsome boy.

Along the way to Grandma's house

Wow, this is incredible. We took a side trip on the way to Grandma's house. We went to Dayton, Neveda via Yosemite. We went to see Bridal Veil Falls, and played in Yosemite Valley.

Near Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls

The light in the trees was amazing. They almost liked transparent.

Can you believe how big this tree is. Good thing Daddy helped.

The three amigos, together forever in Yosemite.

Yosemite, how beautiful you are.

Scout Camp for a week!!

Sunshine,
I had a god nights sleep and a good breakfast. Mike, the show of guy, went on a 30 mile bike ride up and down the mountain before breakfast. Steve claimed he slept better than he has done for several months and I had to make some noise to get him and most of the boys out of bed. I was woken up by the morning trumphet - which was nice. It is a joy seeing Adam handling himself out here. He had a blast last night playing in the dark around the camp site with the other boys. I could hear his voice giving out orders about the game for at least one hour between 9:00 and 10:00. I am very proud of him, but can see that the kids with a parent here get more attention. I am sitting in the outdoor chapel - very peaceful.
Steve will be a great scout master for the boys. He will make sure they are driven to reach their goals.

Thanks for giving Adam and me this oppertunity to escape from the realities of the world and from work. I would not describe it as having fun because I associate something else with that word. But it is great being away from work, Southern California, Newspapers, Radio, Computers. I can even accept the cost, I.e. Horrible Food, stinkey restrooms, dust and dirt. I wish you were here to share the experience with me. I am so happy to have a son like Adam.




It sounds like Adam is moving forward with his merit badges as planned, but difficult for me to evaluate as do not know the process and how the leaders handle the process. Mike claim they are more lax than any other camp he has attended.

I have managed on the food served today, but missing a good cup of coffee. Mike made lasangne and peach cobbler in the Dutch Ovens for lunch. His lasange was good. The chocolate peach cobler would be an acuired taste. Doubt it will ever be a great hit. He had problems with heat as the charcoal provided at camp do not give out as much heat as charcoal we buy for BBQ at home.

Still enjoying the peace and lake. Great camp site.

My favorite time of the day has arrived. I am sitting on "my" bench in the outdoor chapel writing to you.
Adam is on track to finish all his merit badges except First Aid today. He has one more day with First Aid, but looks like he will complete all merit badges he was signed up for. He manage his time well and makes sure he completes his "homework" before moving on to freetime fun. He has been very frugal in an attempt to save for a small sum he owes you. Good to see. He has $20,- in his pocket and thus can use money.
I got gas on the car this morning to be sure I can reach Fresno and a little more. Over $4.00 per gal !!! Got my battery for cell recharged to 75% and thus good to go for the next two days. I am trying to manage on the food and drinks we get here rather than bringing in more junk food. I should get my exercise and water covered this week.
Jared had nose bleeding two days in a row. Looked worse than is was, but still far more than I have ever had myself. He slept outside away from Camp last night -wilderness survival badge requirement. Most of the other boys took their beds outside and slept under the open sky -Adam included.
I was cold but refreshing this morning.
The Troop next door is a 4 boy group, but very commited and organized. They deserve winning the camp inspection contest.



The sky was amazing last night. Thousands of stars on a clear sky. The boys had arranged a fireside and did a good job. Mike had cooked upside down pineapple cake in the duch oven - a huge success.
I will miss this place when I am back home. The peace you can find here when the boys are out on assignments clears your mind and leaves you totally at ease with the world. All worrys seems to disappear it is as if God is telling you: "It will all work out, do not worry about tommorrow for I have given you a beautiful day to live. Enjoy my gift."

It time for the Ventura County Fair - It's dollar day

It is time for the Ventura County Fair. We try to go on dollars days. This year the Simmons, Congellieres, the Eschenbergs, and the Yagers went to the Fair. It was a lot of fun - Turkey Stampede, funnel cake and lots of rides.



It's strawberry Lemonade.



It's the turkey stampede.

Harry Porker won the race.

Adam going on the slide with the Jared, Olivia.

Sarah Congelliere, Anna and Olivia Simmons

Elizabeth and Olivia at the Pig Races.

It was such a fun day that we went back on the next dollar day.

UP, UP and Away

In Santa Paula the have a fairly new festival. It is called the Citrus Festival. This is the second year. It was on July 31 and August 1. They have jolly jumps, craft booths, food and entertainment. They also have hot air balloons. On August 1, we got everyone up at 5 am; I know we are crazy to go see the hot air balloons launch up into the air. They were so beautiful with all the colors. They also gave the kids free rides. Adam went first and then Anna decided that she was brave enough. Jake did not want to go, but that is okay. We had a great morning learning about something that is not an every day thing. The kids did a once in a lifetime thing, unless we do it again next year.

I loved all the colors

Adam's first ride. He said that he could see pretty far.

This was as close as Jake wanted to be.

Anna was very excited.

We learned that they have to take quite a bit of training to operate a hot air balloon.

There was about 10 balloons in total, but the blue, yellow and green was my favorite. It was a fun and interesting morning. Good idea, dad.