Snow? In California?

For Winter Break, we took a little jaunt out of town to Palm Springs. The kids were so excited at the thoughts of staying in a hotel. I guess it's been quite awhile since they've had that experience so they were really pumped up about it. I can't blame them though, I too was excited at the thoughts of a free breakfast buffet and having maid service for two days. Simple joys.

 

On the way up, we went through Joshua Tree National Forest. It was an unexpected highlight of the trip. We've never been there before and it was a very cool place to check out. There were, of course, tons of Joshua trees to look at and lots of rocks to climb.

 

 

We went on a short hike and look what we discovered! Snow! (Somebody's mother clearly did not anticipate the cold weather.) Pretty bipolar outfit Abby's got going on here!

 

We even had a good, old fashioned snowball fight!

 

That was the last picture I took because I left my camera in the car for the rest of the trip. Ops! We filled the rest of the two days with swimming, eating, tennis playing and more eating. Seriously, the kids would not stop eating. Maybe it was the free food or growth spurts they were feeding, but it was nuts! Very good times!

Abs

My friend Danielle captured this fantastic shot of Abby with her new camera this weekend. I love it!

 

My little girl is growing up! (sniff sniff)

Valentine's Dance

We had the best time tonight dancing with friends and family at the ward Valentine's dance!

 

Don't really know who these guys are....

 

The photo booth was fantastic, the goodies were so tasty and the music was rockin'!

 

Get Your Gun

James turned 12 on Friday and for his birthday he wanted to play airsoft guns with his friends. We know of a pretty awesome place where they could go (Granny and Grandpa's back 40). Here's all you need for an airsoft party:

 

Throw in a dozen or so boys with all their gear on. (Yes, that is a friend with a riot shield there on the left corner)

 

Fierce!

 

 

They were definietly anxious to get started. Mark surveyed the area many times to make sure there were no unforseen dangers (snakes, etc.) lurking out there.

 

Then we set them free and let the fun begin. We stopped them about an hour into it to reload-their guns and their bellies- and then they were back out. One boy's Mom suggested we tell people that we are training up soldiers to defend our country. I like to think Granny and Grandpa would be happy to know they were a part of it, if that's the case!

 

It was a great time and a beautiful day too!

 

Welcome to the Pack!

I got some inspiration from a couple of sites(Sugar Doodle and Craft Gossip) for this "Welcome to the Pack Backpack". We will be giving these out at the Blue and Gold Dinner to all the new Cub scouts entering this year. I hope they enjoy!