Sand Hollow

We went to Sand Hollow in March, and man was it beautiful!  While it was still snowing and freezing at home, it was in the 70's and warm at Sand Hollow.  We had a blast roaming the valley with our four-wheelers and taking in the breath-taking beauty.

Sand Hollow had great four-wheeling trails as well as a lake.  So the girls had to try to swim (even though it was pretty cold). We had a lot of fun and hope to go again soon!!

Lauren's family party

When we got home and settled we had everyone over for Lar's "real" birthday party.  Ryan and his family we able to come as well as Grandma and Grandpa, and Marci and family.  My good friend Leslie made this cake for Lar - isn't it cute!!

We were able to enjoy mom's culinary skills as well.  Yum!

Thanks to everyone for the great gifts.  Lauren has been reading non-stop since her birthday, thanks to the great collection she got from everyone.

Lauren's Birthday

We were at Sand Hallow camping for Lauren's birthday.  Although we knew we were going to have a birthday party when we got home, we still wanted to make her day special.  So while she went on a four-wheel ride we surprised her by decorating the trailer.  

Leslie made her a yummy cake in the dutch oven - candles and all!!!

 We love this special girl.  She is friendly, outgoing, happy to help and always wants to please those around her.  We are blessed to have her in our family!

Family Pictures

And finally, before we left California we had to take some family pictures.  Thanks to Les, and her great camera, she got some great shots. 

Thanksgiving 2010

Thanksgiving this year was a different setting than we're used to; outside, by the beach, while the sun was setting, with great friends.  A Thanksgiving we'll never forget.

Pismo Beach

We finally made it to Pismo Beach and set up camp here:

Steps from the beach. (The picture on the right is when we had to drag the truck and trailer through a small stream to get to the camping spot.)

We had to make sand castles the first day.  Notice the crazy seaweed next to them.  The girls couldn't stop talking about it. 

And of course, the reason we're there.  To ride.  Some people next to us made a little track for the kids to ride that went in circles and over little hills.  They loved to ride the track. 

You see a lot of these over-the-top trucks and trailers around there. I loved this sticker...very funny.

Vegas Baby!

So we stopped in Las Vegas on our way to Pismo Beach California last November.  We thought the kids would enjoy the Balagio watershow.  We started at one end of the strip and walked all the way to the other end to get to the watershow.  Needless to say we were pooped by the time we got back to the hotel.  On the way we stopped at the MGM Grand to see the lion exhibit.  See the lions sleeping in the background?

Here is the New York, New York hotel.

Love the wizard!

The Paris hotel; love my shot?  Had to get the full moon!

Elvis, uh huh!

Finally, the watershow.

Kate was lucky enough to get carried half the way. :)

We were hoping to go to M&M world on the way home from California, but we got in too late so we didn't make it.  Oh well, maybe next time.  :)

Carving Pumpkins

Since the weather was nice, and I didn't want the mess in the house, we carved our pumpkins outside.

All bundled up ready to go.

Finished product: 

Dad made us a nice warm fire. 

And some yummy hot chocolate (or waisal)