Sage's 12th & Halloween 2011

Persistence paid off for Sage this year. He wanted a sleepover for his birthday, but the last time he had one, the boys were VERY loud and so we had said no. He bugged us and bugged us, even made a list on WHY he should be allowed to have one. So we gave in. And they weren't as bad this time around so I guess it worked out.

Halloween... Sage was a burglar and Abby was a mime. Emi was still at school and was going to meet us there.

Sage and Ben (gangster).

Abby and Sidney (PB&J sandwich).

Emi & friends. She's supposed to be Snow White.

Alex the Skunk.

Abby's pumpkin, it's an owl.

Emi's pumpkin, there was a pumpkin carving at school so she did hers there.

Sage's pumpkin... I don't think he felt like carving this year.

B-day ride. He wanted to go somewhere he's never ridden so we did the Sunset/Sunrise trail loop in May Valley.

I am 12!

We got him a Mario game and some beef jerkey. Abby got him a lottery ticket. And then had some rootbeer float to top of the night of candies.

Big Horse Corn Maze

One day as we drove through Temecula, we drive by this giant corn maze. Abby's like, I wanna go! I guess she really wanted to go because she kept bringing it up, over and OVER for the next couple weeks. And so we went. It was also Sage's b-day weekend, so we tied it all in. Turns out this corn maze is Southern California's largest authentic corn maze. Emi had school plus a Halloween party, David was participating in the San Jac Enduro, so it was just the three of us.

Abby, looks like you're sitting on a pig...

"Corn Box". At first when we saw this on the list of activities, we wondered, what in the world is a corn box? Literally, a box full of corn. Some kept making its way into Abby's ears so she had to keep them covered.

Jumpers. They sure like jumpers.

Corn Maze. I think this would of been cool at night.

Corn Cannon. This thing was pretty neat. It'd be cool to have a Pine Cone Cannon and shoot it off our deck.

Pumpkin Bowling.

Not sure what this thing's called. Some sort of let's-dig-some-sand thingy magingy.

Big inflatable slide.

Rubber Duck Race. And we got to keep the duck. ^_^

Casey

This past season of American Idol was really exciting to watch since local Casey Abrams was in the competition. The town was really supportive and it was really neat to see someone from our small town on TV. Last weekend there was a celebration for the return of Casey to him hometown, and we were pretty lucky we got to meet him. I think the kids were stoked. ^_^

1st Day of School 2011, Pt. 2

Emi's turn. Her first year of high school at her new school. We are fortunate she got accepted to Idyllwild Arts Academy with a scholarship. She is going to grow so much here, it is going to be an interesting journey.

1st Day of School 2011, Pt. 1

The usual picture we take in front of the school on the first day of school is no longer the three of them. This year, it's just Sage and Abby, as Emi is moving on to high school. Sage is a 7th grader already, and Abby's in 5th grade, her last elementary year. How time flies. *sniff, sniff*

Roscoe

All of a sudden we now own two dogs. Roscoe, a 6-month old Shepard mix puppy, has made his presence into our family. Being a puppy, he is a lot of work, but he is just the funniest dog, he cracks us up a lot. He's funny looking but cute at the same time, and just full of energy and personality. The kids have been really enjoying him, especially Abby. Probably because they are very alike. ^_^

Are we really celebrating our dog's birthday??? Yes we are!

Marmu celebrated her first birthday with us, she turned seven. Abby made her a birthday hat and the girls made some doggie cupcakes. They were so excited.

We all sang for her too (and videotaped the moment). ^_^

Abby made a little banner for her too, isn't it cute?

Marmu's b-day presents... a bonzo bone and some treats from Petco.

Birthday Hike 2011

I think this is the third straight year that I've embarked on this hike from Idyllwild to Palm Springs on my birthday. Although Abby really doesn't like hiking a whole lot, she joined me on my birthday hike. I think that says a lot about her character.

Oooh, pine cone! Abby says. So funny because we live where there are pine cones EVERYWHERE.

Overlooking Suicide Rock.

The ferns had all leafed out, the greenery was really pretty.

Break time.

Willow Creek. We had several water crossings which really helped us deal with the heat. Wet bandanas feel really good.

Lunch.

Hidden Lake. A good sign that we're almost there.

Riding down the Palm Springs Tramway. A nice little reward after a 8.1-mile hike.