Sept 2014

Loon lake camp trip with the Dyke's.

Nate enjoying a beer before fishing gets into high gear.

While Nate had done some fishing at a local fishery, this was his first real attempt in the mountains.  He did great.

Here's Nate reeling in his first fish,  

Nate enjoying his prize, a nice rainbow trout.

All the kids got fish, enjoyed the opportunity to try both shore and lake fishing with the Dyke family.

I'll certainly remember our first trip to Loon Lake.  Too bad it was engulfed in flames a few weeks later and it might be years before we get a chance to go back.

Den 5 took the boys to Empire Mine State park, to help with their Geology badges.  

The camera doesn't do the down slope justice here.

The cart, the boys are sitting on is what the miners used to ride down the shaft (pictured above) to get to the min part of the mine.  This helps show the angle they went down.  That's some scary work.

Here's where the people who owned the mine lived.  Very different conditions than those folks who worked over a mile below ground.

August 2014

HP's take your child to work day, Nate wondered why we didn't stay home.

The Roseville site had a great set of activities, including making slushies, using a bike to power the blender. Now he thinks I drink all day at work.

HP and Dreamworks are big partners, so a heavy influence from How to Train Your Dragon.

While there was probably close to 200 kids, they were broken up into smaller groups and taken around the site to see all the things we do on campus.  Really well done.

I have been wanting to go to the coast and play in the tide pools for awhile.

Nate and I trying to move around and see what animals we can.

It wasn't the best time to visit, tide was a bit too high, so we couldn't get everywhere, but still able to move around.

After the tide pools, we stopped at the beach for cheese, wine , crackers and a selfie.

The Jelly fish, don't step on them,

Great way to escape the Sacramento heat.  Nate loves the beach.

Maria loves her wine.  

Good thing we brought a swimsuit, despite the parents complaining of the cold, it didn't stop Nate from playing in the ocean.

Saw this little guy in the waves, right off shore.

We also got a camp trip to the Giant Sequoia's

The "girls" tent needed a LOT of help.  They seemed fine to have it like this, but Cutter eventually gt it all figured out for them.

Big trees and big smiles

Seeing a tree like this, always reminds me of the Farside cartoon, where the kids has chopped down the tree, explaining how the rings represent years and all the things the tree survived...

Here we are with the General Sherman tree behind us.  Very impressive.

Saw this dear on the hike up to Moro Rock.

Selfie from the top of Moro rock.  Sporting the full Guy Fieri look.  

Panoramic view from Moro rock.  I had never been here before, made the hike twice, the second time I was able to bring Nate.

Had a great time with the sites at Lodgepole campground.  Group meals, with each family pitching in to host a night.

Played cards, and while not picture, Cards against Humanity, which was a lot of fun.

I really liked this quote.

Second climb up Moro rock, this time with Nate and the Eimer's.

But first, let me take a selfie.

Nate showing off his climbing skills.  Just don't slip, no safety nets here.

Nate admiring the view.

From the very top of the rock, got to get a pic with my hiking buddy for the day.

After the hike, we had a little time to cool off in a little swimming hole in the river.  

The drought has really impacted the water flows, but made for some nice hiking and exploring around.

July 2014

Started July with a Bang!  Nate picked out the fireworks display for our 4th celebration. 

Nate enjoying a burger and a beer, ginger beer that is.  We had a 4th party, a bit unusual since we're usually down south for the 4th.

The newest edition to Casa Verde, Cornhole sets.  I built them and our neighbor Brad Chaboya painted them.  He does some amazing work.  

It's game on and the competition is fierce.  

Nice to see an activity that's getting the adults up and moving about.  

The new Kraken surfboard is a hit.  However it only got 1 day in the pool, just too dangerous.  It's now hanging in Nate's room.

Nate and his blond daddy at Sunsplash.  We only seem to make it out to sunsplash about 1/year, but always fun.

Nate helping out with the dishes.  Can't believe he's still using that stool.  Probably the most value per $ of any purchase we ever made for him.

HP had their picnic, lots of fun.  But I'm a little worried at the air kids were catching coming down the slide.  Luckily I don't think anyone got hurt, but I was nervous.

Love the Kentucky Mules!, the drink int he copper mug, the girls.

Of course sometimes you need to jump right to shots!

Maria's cousin Tatiana came to visit for a few days and got to taste Napa and summer at Casa Verde

Carlos, Tatiana, Maria and I enjoying the back yard.

We continue to get birds building nests in our new patio cover.  None of the eggs hatched, and the birds left a mess.

Nate and his cousins went to Skyzone to burn off some energy on the trampolines.

Got a chance to spend the day in SF and play TPC Harding Park

18th hole, looking towards the clubhouse.

Great course, although they were doing maintenance work, which left for some not so great conditions.  Love the tree lined fairways. 

July also saw the "big race" that Maria had spent the first half the year training for.

While Maria spent the weekend with race friends, Nate and I joined Gina and Mike, camping on the Russian river.  Took a trip over to Bodega Bay to play in the ocean.

Great weather and fun times

Nate and Casey hanging out

Practicing the whittling skills from scouts.

The water was a little chilly, especially since it wasn't too hot, but still nice in the sun.

Had fun hanging out on the inner tube

Nate took a turn on the paddle board.  Quite a change from him using it as a diving board in Hawaii, oh so many years ago.

Casey getting out on the board.

Nate and I waiting on the beach for the girls to finish.

Achieving a goal, crossing that finish line!

Race wasn't easy, lots of hills, but endurance and training paid off

Post race victory celebration.

While the boys were camping, the girls enjoyed the weekend staying at the base of the Golden Gate.

Post race party and recovery back at Casa Verde.

We also took time out to enjoy the World Cup games from Brazil.  Go Chile, USA!

Got to support the team, only comes once every 4 years.

Nate showing off the Chilean soccer team jersey.

Underwater shots of Lilo looking for her ball

Almost looks vicious, but she just wants her ball!