Camping- Warning: Lot's of Pics

We've gone camping twice this summer, so far. The first time in June, the weather was beautiful. We found an awesome camp site, just off a river in Huntington Canyon. The second time, Doug's brother Joe came with us. We decided to go back to the same camp area (we got the campsite right next to it) and the boys got fishing licenses for the day and brought their poles. Of course, it rained on us almost the entire time we were there. It cleared up long enough for us to set the tent up, then started up again. Then stopped in time to build a fire and cook dinner. It only sprinkled a bit for the rest of the evening until just as we were getting in the tent for bed. Then it started pouring and rained practically all night. They had fun fishing the next day, but due to the rain, they didn't have all that much luck - just a fish a piece. Here's a lot of pics:

No idea where the whole peace sign thing came from

I included this picture for two reasons: 1st - since it poured on us, this is where we had to prepare all of our food, and 2nd - I realized this is the only picture I have of our new car we bought on our Vegas trip. It's a Honda Pilot, and we LOVE the space we've been in desperate need of for quite some time.

Best quote of the trip:

Tyler has REALLY sensitive eyes, but couldn't stay away from the fire. After hours of being around the smoke, and wiping, and wiping, and wiping his running, watery eyes, he finally said "Mom, I need to blow my eyes."

Vegas!!

Every year, as soon as school is out, we take a trip to Las Vegas. 

This year's trip was packed full of events. 

We had two high school graduations - his sister and my brother. There are like 40 high schools in Vegas. It takes an entire week at two separate locations with back to back ceremonies each day to get through the entire district. So what are the chances that both of the ones we wanted to attend happened on the same day, at the same time, in different locations? Better than we thought. Only with our luck. So Doug went to Kelly's, and I went to Russell's.

The Luxor was advertising the new Transformers movie. 

We just thought this was cool, so we took a picture.

Doug took me to The Lion King on the strip for our 9 year anniversary. I also was spoiled and got to see Phantom of the Opera two days later with his little sister, but I don't have pictures of that yet. Sorry this one didn't turn out very good, it was too dark. I highly recommend both. They were amazing, and I had a blast. Thanks, honey! (And Mom)

Of course we had to spend an afternoon at our favorite city park in 

the world,just blocks away from Doug's parents' house.

I think Dad is missing Hawaii - what do you think?

Here's my little brother Russell with his adorable girlfriend Jana. 

As always, it seemed to go by too fast, and we didn't get to do half of what we wanted (only 1 day of swimming?) We did find a new car to buy, which we never thought would happen. And we got to see our families - that's what matters most.

Baseball

Brock finally got to play Little League Baseball this year. 

He loved every minute of it.

Up to bat

This is Brock's signature move just before he swings. We thought of trying to correct it at first (you don't have to take such a BIG step before you swing) but it turns out the kid can really hit that ball, so we figured why mess with a good thing?

Getting ready to steal second base.

Sliding into third.

Tyler wanted to play, too. 

It's hard being the baby of the family.

Getting ready to pitch.

Brock finally got to play catcher at the last game.

Each of the five coaches had to choose their three best pitchers to compete in a tournament. There was a target behind home plate, and depending on where you hit the target, you got 0-3 points. Brock came in 3rd, and got his first trophy.

No, that's not snow on the ground - it's cotton. Annoying, blasted,

 I-thought-it-would-never-stop-falling cotton.

School's Out!

So now that the summer is almost over, I figure I'd better catch up on my blogging. For starters, here's Brock's 1st Grade Program on the last day of school.

Here's all the 1st graders (Brock's on the right)

See how he towers over everyone else?

 Oh well, at least he's not the poor short kid next to him.