Summer Time...and the living is Easy

I can't believe that summer is coming to an end! School starts tomorrow for Taylor and me--I got a part-time teaching job at Taylor's school--and next week Lauryn will start preschool. Here are some pictures of our summer, which passed all too quickly. The girls at a birthday party.

My summer crafts: making lavender wreaths, wands, and saches.

The girls and I spent nearly every afternoon swimming. We'd go to the pool, pond, or a nearby creek or river.

The Fair! Why is it so much fun to see your children experience the things you loved as a kid?

A ride I've always wanted to try but never have. Taylor loved it.

Finally, a day on the river! We were so busy with guests this year that Lauryn and I didn't raft much.

Peter, teaching Taylor the art of rock-jumping.

Taylor going solo.

June and July

Having uploaded all of these pictures and more on Facebook, I didn't realize how behind I was on my blog. Once again I need to catch up.
Bear LakeIn June the girls and I tagged along with my parents and their friend Andy on a hike to Bear Lake in the Siskiyou Wilderness. It was a 6-mile hike, round-trip. We hit some snow which made our decent to the lake and climb from the lake challenging. It turned out to be an overcast and cool day with patchy sun. My Mom and girls are trying to soak up the warmth while they can.We had fun fishing, catching a fish with every cast. Lauryn got to reel this one in. Her first fish!At this point in the hike, Taylor was saying, "I never ever ever EVER want to do this again." Then she made it to the saddle and sat down on a pointy stick which went through her pants and poked a deep hole in the back of her thigh. We were glad Cathy had a first-aid kit. Taylor now has a scar that will remind her of this day.Bren Visits
Bren came to the ranch for a few days and we had so much fun. I hadn't laughed that much in a while. I took a boat down the class II section with Bren and two MMR staff. Taylor and Lauryn got to go on Peter's boat.Lauryn, enjoying a cold drink at the take out.Trinidad 2010
Our annual trip to Trinidad was a bit different this year. Peter only made it for one day (He was busy with Ranch work), and the girls and I stayed in a tent next to Mom and Dad's cabin. The weather was also unusually sunny, warm, and windy. This meant awful fishing but lots of beach days. We celebrated Taylor's sixth birthday at Bren and Neil's place in McKinleyville with a BBQ, cake, and presents. Bren and Laura made this delicious cake.Taylor had many requests for this birthday cake and Bren did a great job meeting them. She even made pink whipped cream. Yum!This gift was the biggest hit, even with the adults. The morning of our boat ride was foggy, but it was still beautiful and fun. We got to see seals, all kinds of birds, and an otter.We hiked Trinidad Head and this time we made Lauryn walk the whole way. She did a great job. Later in the week I ran these same trails and counted over 20 bunnies!

The top was really windy. My cousin's son, Josh, looked like an inflated wind-man you see at car dealerships.

Taylor, sporting her new sunglasses.

Watching our fireworks on the beach, a new tradition started last year. Happy 4th of July!