May Lake Campout

So once a year we go up into the high country for a company camp out at May Lake High Sierra Camp. Last year it was very very cold and I was not thrilled with the coldness. This year rocked! It was so much fun! We began our day on Saturday by driving an hour (it's amazing how big the park actually is) to the trail head where we parked and put on our small packs (most of our stuff gets packed in by mule - much better than having to carry it) and started the mile and a half hike into camp. It was a beautiful day and we had a great hike. The kids were excited when we got there to play with their friends for a bit while we grabbed our sack lunches, then we were off again on a small hike to Raisin Lake. Well, we got about half way there and the kids were really hungry and we ran into some friends who had just come from the Raisin Lake direction and we decided (after finding out there were some pretty steep switchbacks) to hang out and eat our lunch and save Raisin Lake for another day.

The high country is hands down my favorite place in the park. Miles and miles of beauty - it is endless. And you always feel like you are the only one in the world when you are up there. Simply amazing.

So after we returned from our pretty hike we all hung out by May Lake and played games and fished and watched the sun sneak behind Mount Hoffman. It was breathtaking. We enjoyed a most delicious supper of Steak and potatoes and asparagus and yummy chocolate cake for dessert. You know I figure if I have to go camping, I definitely prefer having delicious meals that are prepared for me.

After supper we all hung out by the campfire and our dear friend Emily led us in campfire songs and told a fun story about the area.

The next morning we were up early listening to the camp manager blow the conch shell that signals breakfast! Another super yummy meal, this time we had hot cereal and fruit and pancakes and bacon and warm bread and an omelet to die for...need I go on??

We then packed up our stuff to send down the mountain on the mules and we all gathered for a photo. After that we headed down the mountain to another wonderful day in Yosemite National Park!

Jack's class campout

So, Jack's class of 10 (consisting of k, 1st and 2nd graders) went on a camp out last Thursday night! They had a really fun time. Jack's teacher's husband came and gave a fun campfire talk about animals and told a story. Parents went as well, and I volunteered Brian (big surprise, as I dislike camping). They read silly books and had a grand time goofing around in their little tent!

The next day they did some work for the park service and got a special park badge. Jack loves stuff like that. After they were finished, they hiked back to school. It was great!

Molly rides her bike - no training wheels!!!!!

Well we hit a big milestone this past weekend...Molly learned to ride her bike with no training wheels. She did great. Then this week she started pre-school and rode her bike to school and back everyday. She loved being able to ride with Jack.

Today we went on a big bike ride with our friend Syd to visit her horses at the stables. Molly even saved a yummy apple core to feed Bart, her favorite horse. We have a had a great day.