June California Trip: Part V

PART V: Stown's 8th grade Graduation Day

Well, here it is ... The main reason we went to California was for Stown's 8th grade graduation. Quite the ceremony was put on and not a lot of good pictures came out. Mostly just overcrowded with people hugging and crying and saying goodbye. Most of his classmates are going to different high schools, so it was pretty emotional for the young girls. Stown had to say goodbye to his girlfriend for the summer because he was leaving that afternoon to travel with us for his annual summer visit.

Jim, Stown & I

His graduation was held outside on a field - Jim & I fried!! We thought it was going to be in the gym and had no sunscreen or umbrellas for shade. We were happy to find the air conditioning button when we climbed in the truck.

Me, Jim, Katie (Stown's girly-friend) & Stown

Me, Stown & Jim
We were extremely happy to have ended a very hot day in the sun and in traffic at my Uncle Dale and Aunt Lisa's house for dinner.

Me, Jim, Stown, Dale & Lisa
How nice it was to relax at their house for an amazing dinner and conversation. I only get to visit once every year or two so we always have a lot to catch up on. Lisa taught us a new card game - "Golf". We played and laughed and finally had to leave late into the evening.
Thank you Uncle Dale & Aunt Lisa!!

Are we almost home, yet?!

June California Trip: Part IV

PART IV: J.B. !!

Jim and I met my older brother, Darby, and his partner, Amy, in downtown Riverside for an afternoon with my new nephew - James Brooks (J.B)!!

J.B.

He didn't seem too excited to meet us.
J.B.
After a few minutes of slapping the table, we were all laughing.
Then it was time to find lunch. We ate on an open patio in a beautiful commons area that was once a street but had been closed off. No pictures of the area, unfortunately, we were busy eating and playing with J.B.
Riverside's historic downtown has many old Spanish style buildings. After lunch we wandered the streets and little shops.

Wonderful arches

The Historic Mission Inn

Mission Inn - different view

Amidst all the Spanish and brick there is a rather new Chinese Gazebo. It seemed a bit out of place to me. In the foreground, is a sun dial of sorts. Or so we think, there was not a sign to explain it and it had appeared to have been vandalized and wouldn't rotate like we thought it should.

Me, J.B. & Darby

Amy, J.B & Darby
After our tour of downtown, we had to get going - off to the next stop on our Tour De California. They walked us back to our truck and we said our goodbyes.

J.B. is soooo stinkin' cute!! I wish we were a bit closer. I know the next time I see his he will be running around and babbling words. He wasn't even a year old on this trip. I can't wait to spend more time with him.

Where did we go next?...

?? Slightly out of Order - Opps!

Not sure what happened but the last two posts got switched in the order. Blame it on my blogging inexperience. Well, the stories are still the same so scroll down to read Part III after Part II. Maybe I shouldn't try to pick photos and create two posts simultaneously.

Enjoy!

June California Trip: Part II

PART II: The Party

Well we settled into the Inland Empire (Riverside / Corona area) just in time for the party. The family had three graduating boys this year - one high school and two middle school. So, why not throw one HUGE party at the pool? Crazy with family and friends everywhere, thus only a few photos. Otherwise it could get overwhelming trying to explain them all.

Part of the Gang

More of the Gang

My cousin Allison & I
Notice any family resemblance?

Jim
Speaking of overwhelmed! Or is he really enjoying himself?
- OR -
Is he doing his best impression of....


My Cousin Johnathan!!

Stown Flippin' Out!!

Many thanks to all the people who helped out, brought food, decorated or somehow contributed, it was a great party. Special thanks to Uncle Steve and Aunt Carol for putting up with all of us in your home.


More California Adventures Coming Soon...

June California Trip: Part III

PART III: The Base Camp

We had a lot of family and friends to visit while we were there, but all were with in a short drive of each other. So, we based ourselves out of Patty's (mom) ranch in Norco.

Remember - Horsetown USA? (earlier post)

Wow!! Did that little Toyota pull that big 5th wheel trailer?!

Nope, just camera trickery. However, that was our "guest house" for the duration of our visit. Complete with electricity and a toilet, it was nice to come and go at any time of the day without disturbing the main house.


'Coon Dog - named for his mask - resident ranch pooch
We were dog tired after that party too, but 'Coon took the best seat.

'Coon, Doug & Aspen
We did bring our dogs with us on this trip. Staying at a ranch made it really easy on all of us.




Time for some Horsey Fun!!
Patty & Jim
Funny how the guy who "horse sits" (self proclaimed non-horseback rider) ends up trying to steer his horse, hold a beer and take photos!!

Me & Jim
Hot and dusty trails

Me

We rode down to the River Bottom in Norco.

Jim & I
The old Power House

Me (in front), Jim, and photo by Patty
We headed into the bamboo tunnels that grow up and over the trails, seeking shade from the blazing hot sun.

Joe Ennis

After a day on the trail, we had company drive in to visit us.

Jim's friend Joe came for dinner and an evening on the porch.

The days blurred together and so did the nights. So much going on all the time. There didn't seem to be a day go by that we didn't have plans to go somewhere, do something or visit someone.

More still to come...

June California Trip: Part I

What you are about to read is the first in a series of posts recapping our trip to California in June of this year. It was a two week trip filled with all kinds of people, events and activities, much too long for one post. I am trying to divide it up into smaller sub-stories.

Enjoy!

Jim & Peggy

Two of the most beautiful people I will ever know.

Our first stop was in Big Bear Lake to visit with friends.

They hosted us for two nights, where we all slept under the stars on their enormous deck. A great visit that was just the bit of relaxation we needed before we were to descend into the LA area madness later in the week.

On an evening walk along the preserve at the north end of the lake, we came across this sign. (note the airplane in the background - it must be exempt)

In California with it's millions of people and their thousands of cars, trucks, 4-wheelers, etc. I was pleasantly surprised to find this restriction.

Make them get out of their steal coffins and walk and get muddy!

Lovely pelicans

Jim & Neo
Despite leaving his own kitty at home for the trip, Jim was not lacking in the feline love!

Trinity - she sure is pretty but not really a snuggler.


My favorite chicken.
Check out those fluffy feet!

Jim & Peggy's yard

They have a gorgeous yard!

All the foliage is native to the mountains that they live in, thus requiring little water. They proudly display their creativity and plant savvy during local Xeriscape tours, inspiring others to switch over to the natural beauty that thrives in these mountains.

Deep Creek Hot Springs

Jim (my Jim) had never been to the wonderful hot springs that bubble up into Deep Creek. So the four of us packed into the truck and drove off the mountain into the high desert for a dip. Jim & Peggy have been car-less since 1997, so a trip to the springs is always a treat.

Jim, Peggy, Jim
Late in the afternoon we parked the truck at the trail head. Backpacks loaded with towels, headlamps, snacks, tequila and wine, we started the nearly two mile hike into the canyon.

I am not a fan of writing on rocks, but this is acceptable!

A stunning Yucca in full bloom

?? Pretty wild flowers of the desert

?? More pretty flowers

The creek far below was our destination.

Cameras go away now......

San Gorgornio with snow
Part of our original plan was to climb San G on our way off the mountain. However, an amazingly heavy winter changed our minds for us.

Me
On our way off the mountain (Goodbye Jim & Peggy! Thanks for everything!), we stopped for one last venture into the lush green organics before landing square in the concrete jungle.

As we hiked in we caught a glimpse of what was awaiting us in the valley below.

Yuck! Look at that air!

The fact that you can ACTUALLY see the air is disturbing.

A parting shot of the wildlife posing for us.

To Be Continued........

Rainbow Tour 2010

Triple Layer Black Forest Chocolate Cherry cake I baked for all the birthdays,

past and upcoming.

In celebration of my Granno's 78th birthday, she and my Uncle John set off on the Rainbow Tour 2010 in May. It was to be a cross country camping - Yes, camping - trip to visit all the grand kids. Well, the second stop on the tour was Durango Colorado on

Memorial Day Weekend.

Uncle Rick, Uncle John, Granno & Papa Waldo

Uncle Rick drove in from Arizona as did my Papa. I had secured two side by side camp sites in La Plata Canyon for our two nights of fun, adventure and family time. We arrived at camp after dinner back at my house and after the cars were unloaded we broke out the cocktails.

CHEERS TO FAMILY!!

Darkness was coming soon, as the false sunset had already occurred over the western mountains.

Get to work John and get those tents set up!


Uncle John, Me, Granno & Papa Waldo
Rick chose to sleep back in the comforts of my house and Jim was unable to camp because he had to work the next morning.
So,the four of us were left alone to our own devices for the evening.
Start the bonfire!

My Beautiful Granno
Did I mention there La Plata River / Creek was right behind our camp?
The next morning we wandered over for a few family photos.


Me, Papa Waldo & Granno
Three generations.
I am the eldest of my father's daughters and he is the eldest of Granno's two sons.
(His real name is Wally - Waldo is cute but Granno wasn't that mean to him. He he!)


Papa Waldo, Granno, Uncle John

After the photo shoot Uncle John and I wandered down stream to enjoy
the peacefulness and ponder the meaning of life.
Is there Meaning?

Ok, this is just freaky but let me explain.

Our camera has a "Smile" feature where it actually can detect the smile and snap the picture. You can adjust just how much of a smile you want.

So, we were having fun trying to get it to recognize a really big cheesy grin.

Cheesy enough?

Jim & Granno

Jim demonstrates a much nicer smile.

He came out to join the festivities after work on the second evening.

Well, a great time was had by all. Everyone was back on the road safely the next day. As my Granno would say, "It sure was a treat to have everyone together!" We all got a lot of one on one visiting along with group story time with everyone. I don't know when it will happen again but I know it won't be soon enough for any of us.

Love your family - It's the only one you get!