Birthday Getaway Trip With Robyn--La Jolla, June 8-9, 2013

For Robyn's birthday (June 8), we took a little getaway trip to the San Diego area.

On Friday, we visted Torrey Pines State Reserve, hiking the trials, and exploring La Jolla.  Friday night we saw a movie and stayed at the Marriott.

Saturday morning, we took a kayak tour of La Jolla Bay, saw the sea caves from afar, and made a lovely drive back North along the Coast highway.

 

 Along the bluffs above the ocean, in Torrey Pines.

 It was more sunny and windy than cold.

We enjoyed watching V-shaped formations of pelicans fly overhead.

 We took this trail from the parking lot to the bluff.

The historic visitor's center (from the 1920's) has a fantastic collection of stuffed animal and birds.

 Three critters we saw along the way: a squirrel munching a yucca or cactus type fruit.

A shaggy crow who flew over to say hi, and to preen all his various feathers.

A little scorpion (2 inches), right on the trail.

A good reason not to wear flip-flops!

Not shown: our water-borne kayak adventures of the next day: too busy paddling! And didn't bring the water proof camera.

Some Family Parties--Spring and Early Summer

With so many wonderful families close by, its often time for a party to celebrate a happy event. Here are snapshots from a few get-togethers over the past few months.

 Easter Gathering 2013 At Steve & Marion's

Lindsay, Scott, Chari, Austin, Brandon-among the group there in PV.

 Giving Dad a Hug!

 Special Guests, Cousin Kathy and her son Adam (up from Camp Pendelton)

 Grandma Marion had an "Easter-Egg Roll"--

Whoever's hardboiled egg cracks all the others, without cracking, wins!

Here, Stephanie rolls an egg for Leah.  Jake looks on.

 May 11- Special 60th Year Birthday celebration for Clark.

Ashley gave nice speech, and Lindsay is there for a hug!

 Laurie Ball flew all the way from Arizona to be there.

 May 2013,  at the Calle Cabrillo redoubt-

I gathered "light sabres" in preparation for the next visit of Dylan and Bennett, where there are always lots of sword fights.

(Pool noodles are ideal: they are light enough for the little ones to wield; they make lots of noise, are easy to slash and swing, and don't draw any tears when they smack you!)

Another Graduation! June 2013

This time its Stephanie, from Cal Poly Pomona, degree in Anthropology.

Debbie also recently received her degree from BYU, Bachelors in General Studies. 

Grandma Marion made sure Debbie had an opportunity to "walk" and receive the applause of the family.

Matt and Stephanie held this party, which also coincided with Father's Day.

Not shown: the wonderful Father's Day party Katie also put on later that day at their home.

Whiting Ranch Hike with Grandsons Dylan and Bennett

Dylan, Bennett and I took a little hike in Whiting Ranch in March.

We heard a swarm of bees, saw little streams, but missed the deer we have seen before.  Each trip is a little adventure.

 Stopping by the trail side stream to launch little sticks as boats.

 Walking under the tree-bridge.

 Stopping for a snack. Dylan peels a "cutie" orange.

 

Bennett munches a cookie.

 Dylan and Bennett with the Junior Ranger badges

they received from the nice Park Ranger we met along the way.

 Back at the sculpture wall--at the end of the trail.

Time to go see Grandma Robyn and get cleaned up.

Austin's UCLA Medical School Graduation May 31, 2013

Congratulations to Austin and Rachel, on Austin's graduation from UCLA Medical School.

This was an exciting and proud day for me--I made sure we were all there plenty early, navigating through hours of clogged Westside LA Freeway traffic.

The graduation ceremony was held at an outdoor venue on campus;

some baking in the sun preceded the processional pomp. 

 Austin and Rachel after the ceremony.

 Christian and Katie brought Bennett and Dylan.

Bennett is especially attached to Rachel, and asks about her all the time.

 Grandpa Steve and Grandma Marion came with us.

Marion still recovering from a surgery but never complaining!.

 Lots of picture taking after the ceremony.

Rachel's family was there in force, Brian on the left in this shot.

 Austin on the podium, receiving his diploma and graduate degree hood.

Afterwards, we  Austin and Rachel put on a great party, held at the cultural hall in the UCLA ward building.  Greg and Jillair, Clark and Jill, Lindsey and Brandon, were all there; also many of Austin and Rachel's friends came from near and far.

Love and congratulations to Austin and Rachel.

Hi Sierras with Austin--Backpacking Trip May 23-25, 2013

Austin and I had a memorable adventure in the High Sierras, hiking the Jenny Lake Loop in Sequoia National Forest/National Monument over the Memorial Day Weekend.

 

Loading up in the driveway, early Thursday morning.

Thanks to Grandpa Steve and Grandma Marion for letting us borrow their 4-Runner

 

 After a long drive, through awesome Dinuba, CA, where we stopped at the Walmart for fishing licenses and gear, we arrived at Fox Meadows Trailhead, near Big Meadows in Sequoia National Forest

 

 Loading our backpacks

 Pointing to our trip location:

Jenny Lakes Wilderness

3 days hiking, 2 nights camped at lakes

 First night's camp: Weaver Lake

Austin's fist pump!

No luck fishing tonight.

 Nice camp set up.

We made a nifty campfire and told stories late into the night.

It was cold: temp dropped to the low 30s.

Tent was way too small: I couldn't stretch out my legs!

 On the trail Friday, Day 2.

Killer hike: 9 miles, seemed like 19

We dropped down one canyon 500+ feet, then hiked back out, and up/over a pass.

 Checking the map along  the trail. 

Are we there yet?

We chatted with one hiker who was separated from his group, w/o a map--

saved him from going 10 miles the wrong direction!

Along the trail, early in the day because I still have the strength to smile.

Notice Austin's reflection in my sunglasses.

 Taking a break.

 Thursday, "lunchtime" at 330 pm.

Austin spotted this funny looking log along the trail.

We were hiking, from 1030 am to 6:00 pm when we eventually reached Jenny Lake.

Seldom have I been so exhausted.

Austin kept me encouraged and set a great pace.

We had lots of time to talk about everything.

Saturday morning at Jenny Lake:

 Austin catches our breakfast after just 10 minutes.

A nice rainbow trout.

Before Austin cleaned the fish.

 Baking our fish in the coals.

 Enjoying the morning campfire.

 Austin enjoying his freshly cooked trout breakfast.

 Saturday afternoon, after our hike out. Austin signs the register: GREAT HIKE.

Saturday was easier, mostly downhill and a lot shorter!

Austin said: "Do a fist pump, Dad! Show everyone you still have some energy left!

Austin and I had an Epic Hike!

The only thing that would have made it better is if more of "the brothers" could have come!