Mission Accomplished!

In a futile attempt to save money, we canceled our week-long trip to Flaming Gorge and settled for Yuba Lake. Noah and Kalia's family joined us for a little bit. I can't really say it was fun. I mean it was fun - we had sun, water and family, and THE WIND!!! HOLY SMOKES! We were there 5 days, which, in those conditions was 4 days too long. I SWEAR the wind NEVER stopped! It was miserable: sand in our hair, our boat, our sleeping bags, our teeth, our food, etc. But we certainly couldn't come home! No sir - we were on vacation! It wasn't so bad once you left the beach and took to the water. But eventually you had to come back.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:
I have known Jeff now for about 11 years. And every summer he says, "I really want to learn to barefoot ski." Well, we don't exactly have a boat that is meant to barefoot ski on. He's tried almost every method to no avail. He's had bruises, bumps and sore muscles. And not once has he ever succeed.
Until this year. Thanks to You Tube, he found a new method of barefoot skiing. We waited for the perfect conditions for him to try. He would start by sitting on a wake board, wait until the boat hit a perfect speed, then stand up. HE DID IT! WAY TO GO JEFF!

Here's the video proof!

Craig always seems to get good air.

Good ol'Karlos! We love this guy!

Ahh, see how much they love their doggie?

Yuba 1

Yuba

Craig Hits the big time...

Those faithful bloggers (I kind of fell off that category!) may recall a specific post where Craig admitted his fear: the FREEFALL. (Here's the proof!) Karalee and I (knowing that his life was getting shorter by the day) reminded Craig of this post: conquer the Freefall in this, the twenty-fifth year of his life. What better time than July 2008? He had our support and encouragement (yeah, I would call it that.) He tried to blow it off, but we wouldn't let him. He was nervous but willing to accept the challenge. I am sure the walk up the tower was long. (And hot..WHY do they put that stupid green carpet where the sun beats down on it all day? Who designed that flop?)

But it was finally his turn:

Did he like it? In his own words (and to my recollection) he said, "I was afraid of THAT? It hurts my back."
So apparently, childish fears were conquered and wasn't all that fearful. Good job Craig - I am proud of you.

I went too - twice. I am still picking the wedgie out as we speak! ;-)

Seven Peaks

One "Field Trip Friday" was to Seven Peaks. I have fond memories of this park. One summer, kids from the old neighborhood got season passes. We literally went EVERY DAY. Fun Summer - but I was Seven Peaked Out come Labor Day. I finally returned about 3 years ago. And it still wasn't as cool as I remembered it. We did, however, manage to have a very fun time - It's water, sun and fun - what more could you ask for?

Swimming Lessons

Julyish 2008
Jake and Juliana both had two sets of swimming lessons this summer. Juliana started out in level 1 and is still in level one. She can "do everything that is requried, she just PREFERS not to." That's my girl. Ain't no one gonna tell HER what to do!

Jake is now in level 4. He started out in level 3A, but they moved him up in the class once they saw he outswam all the other kids. He now swims with the 11 and 12 year olds. Not to brag or anything, but this kid is amazing. He's a literal fish. He's so good, in fact, he is "probably going to be in the Olympics." (His words, not mine.) So watch for him in about 10 years.

Austin came to swim in our inflatable pool one day. His mom wasn't prepared for the spontanious swim party, so I provided some swim shorts. Looks like they don't quite fit.

Field Trip Friday Sometime in July: Seven Peaks. Don't worry - more posts to follow with that one.

Cousin Camp - Day One!

Fun! We had our first day of cousin camp - Fun at the Farm. We made some cute farm crafts, learned about animals and rode horses! All children were enlightened, accounted for and happy. That would be, of course, since Kaila and I were in charge!

We did have one defiant two-year-old. I won't mention names, but this one was often found wandering, non-participating and enlisting other small girls to follow her. Hmmm...Whose child would that be? Must take after her father! ;-) Just Kidding - this girl is a hoot. I love this one!

Listening attentively to Aunt Kaila (pregnant and STILL fun to be with) teach sheep oragami. Interesting!

Kaila brought water and latex gloves to simulate milking a cow. The kids thought this was pretty cool! Not the real thing but cleaner and you loose the danger of getting kicked. She did warn the children NOT to drink the water - they could be allergic to latex. I am so glad to have such a responsible partner. We rock - I do say.