What a Difference a Year Makes

I have always loved my annual trip up to June Lake in the Eastern Sierra. My family has been going there for decades, and I have so many fond memories of fishing with my dad, climbing up rocks with my cousins and singing with the whole family around the campfire. It has been a real joy introducing my boys to this special place over the past five years, but as anyone with children can tell you, vacation isn't the same once kids are in the picture. Yes, I still loved June Lake as much as ever, but instead of sitting peacefully by the lake, I found myself running after toddlers and making pot after pot of "stone soup" to keep them entertained (Dodie's great idea, of course!). Instead of enjoying a few late night cocktails at the Tiger Bar, I found myself home putting sleepy babies to bed while everyone else stayed out for hours.

This year, however, something was different. Apparently 5 years old and 3 1/2 is some sort of magic threshold. Max and Henry were actually engaged in the fishing (and caught nine and five fish respectively!). They were able to skip naps, go with the flow, and stay up late hanging out. Scott and I were in absolute heaven, and as much as I sometimes miss the snuggly little babies I used to cart around, I have to admit that there's something to be said for the "big-kid crowd"!

Two cuties ready for fun

Hanging out with sister and niece at Ellery Lake

Dodie and Olivia

BBQ at the Landberg/Gruber residence

Up at the Virginias

A truly "epic" day of fishing!

Posing in front of Mono Lake

Mother and Daughter with tufas

Early morning at Silver Lake

Taking a spin on the pontoon boat on June Lake

All the young cousins at Steve's cabin

Family shot

The whole gang (minus Olivia and Scott) in front of Steve's cabin

Concentrating on reeling in his first fish

Success!!!

Snow in August???!!! (yes, it was that kind of winter)

Nicolle, David, and Olivia

Henry and Dodie with one of his first fish

Holly and Virginia with their "lunker"

Cousin Love

As if our summer weren't wonderful enough, we also had the opportunity to spend a week down in San Diego hanging out with Dodie, Aunt Nicolle, and Cousin Olivia! The boys had never met their baby cousin before and at first they weren't terribly interested in her. By the end of the Brooks family month-long visit, however, they were working hard to make her laugh -- bringing her toys and letting her "pet" their heads. It was sweet to observe the beginning of the relationship between these three. No doubt there are many, many good times ahead.

Max and Henry enjoying the pool at Dodie's house

Olivia meeting Great Grandma Mimi

This girl likes to eat!

Even buckets are tasty

A gorgeous day at Del Mar beach

Camping at Memorial Park

This summer we've been lucky enough to sneak away on two separate camping trips. The destination last weekend was Memorial Park in San Mateo County. I love this place because it has everything -- redwood trees, a perfect creek for wading, large sites, a general store and flush toilets. Hurray! In fact, I love this campground so much that I got up at midnight a year ago to book the exact sites that I wanted. Some might call me crazy (Scott), but I believe that a little organization goes a long way. A good time was had by all and the three sites we had down a private little cul-de-sac were just perfect (and yes, I already have them booked again for next summer. If you're really nice to me, maybe I'll invite you to join us!).

My three guys

Henry helps with the tent

By the fire

Christy and Camille on dish duty

Scott and his "mini-me"

Jake playing with the gang

Henry and Claire make mud pies

Cute Max

More kids in the mud

Seneca tests the water

Alice

Best Friends

Jen reading to the kids

Baby Ari wants some real food!

Max's Fifth Birthday

July Fourth Revelry

We really know how to celebrate Independence Day here in Alameda! We started things off with a kick-ass hometown parade followed by a BBQ and illicit fireworks with friends. Nobody lost a limb or ended up with a hangover, so I'd call that a success.

All decked out in our holiday finery for the parade

Lovely neighbors Emily and Addie

More lovely neighbors, Liz and Bea

A gorgeous patriotic girl!

Watching the parade

Max and his first sparkler

The kids watching Mark blow stuff up in the street

Friends having fun

A budding pyro?

Even Dodie got in on the action

Ah, sweet freedom!

This past weekend Scott and I went away to stunning Carmel. It was the first time since Max was born five years ago that we were able to get away for a whole weekend, and it was absolutely lovely! We ate out, read on the beach, went to a movie, lounged by the pool, and found that without two little people to look after, we could completely relax. Thank you, Mom, for coming up to Alameda to babysit! Hopefully it won't be another five years before we can sneak away again.

Taking a photo of ourselves

Our hotel

The beautiful hotel garden

More from the garden

Scott on 17-mile-drive

Seals!

A rocky bit of the coast

The view from our room was not too shabby!

Pebble Beach Golf Course in the distance