Spring Break 2014

Did a little something different this year for spring break.  We took off with Tonya, Barry & Alyssa to enjoy Monterey.  Had a few days of great weather, food, friends and wildlife.

Maria and I on the whale watching cruise.

Nate loved the boat.  The Green's, luck enough, have not gotten seasick.  While the Eimer's were fighting through the wavy conditions.

Nate's always ready for some silly fun.

In addition to whale watching, we went the aquarium.  First time we've taken Nate.  In the past when we went, it was 2-3 hours.  This time we stayed there 6 hours, until they kicked us out.  Sounds like we'll have to put that on the agenda for later this year with the scouts.

Barry brought his camera and got some great photos.

The Tentacles exhibit has just been opened, so new things to see.

Nate was a little hesitant to actually touch some of the seaweed and fish.  

Went for a walk on the coast and found some great photo spots.  Love the this picture, makes it look like tonya is wearing a veil.

Thanks Barry for the wonderful photos.

These two are like peas and carrots.  They get along so well.  

Maria loves her black and white photos.

Nate and I on the rocks. 

Nate and Alyssa exploring the rocks.

Nate on the rocks.  I really have to thank Barry for the great work capturing these moments.  

A selfie of Nate and I

Barry capturing the Selfie moment from afar.

Nate contemplating how to get closer to the water, without getting wet.

I thought we ordered him hot chocolate, not a can of whipped cream.

No harm now, but we'll have to keep a close eye on these two.

I really like how they push each other out of their comfort zones and to try different things.  Whether it's rock climbing, sushi, reading, their individual strengths become opportunities for the other to try something new.

We had fantastic weather, which made for some great photos.

Running from the waves.  

And of course, it wouldn't be a whale watching trip without whales.

My photos weren't great, but Barry got some amazing shots.

Mud Run 2014

Nate had so much fun at last year's mud run, we immediately signed him up for the next one, which took place on April 12, 2014.  This time we are all a bit more prepared on what to expect.  The best part for Nate was he had a buddy running it with him.

Nate and Caden - prerace.  Loosing the sleeves has become a tradition, despite the fact the event moved from the racetrack.

Love the camaraderie here as they are "brothers in arms" about to embark on this muddy battle with the obstacles.

The boys flexing some attitude.

One of the larger obstacles this year.  Nate's at the top on the left.  Climbed up and down without hesitation.

Here's Nate going over.

The professional shot of him climbing the rope mountain.

One of many mud pits to work through.

 

The new location allowed for some deeper water n mud pits.

The slide was just as fun this year, but they had two of them.  Morning light wasn't conducive to good photos.

Nate still felt the slide was the best obstacle.

Loved the splashdown.

But he really needed a hand, a clean hand to wipe the mud from his eyes.

Pure fun!

Now, this course had a lot more running, almost twice as much as the last one.  Kids didn't like that part, but Nate did a better job pacing himself through the obstacles with his buddy.

The rope swing, Nate's 2nd favorite obstacle.

And he's across!

Up and over!

It was great to see Caden overcome his fear of heights and really power through the different obstacles.  He started slow on the first of these obstacles, but by the end showed no fear.  He owned the course!

 

Nate, never one to miss a chance to show off for a camera.

 

Post race victory flex!  Can't wait to sign them up to do it again.  Truly a fun run!

Bernhard Museum

Ma and Pa Kettle volunteering at Nate's 3rd grade field trip to the Bernhard Museum.

In learning about California history, the 3rd graders had an opportunity to visit the Bernhard Museum, where everyone dresses and acts like they did in the 1800's.  

We had to get costumes, so we could dress in the appropriate attire of the time.  This included the right hats, for farmers of Auburn, not cowboys.  Our lunches had to be made with same type of food they ate, no plastics, disposables etc.

Used an old wicker basket, food wrapped in wax paper and leftovers rather than sandwiches as the meal.  Sitting on the lawn in the shade under a big oak tree for our lunch.

They had a little area where the kids could try their hand at plowing.

Although most of the kids, including Nate,didn't really dig it into the dirt, instead racing around the little plot of dirt.

Here's Nate in his costume.  He didn't like the felt hat, but otherwise was fine in the clothes, despite the heat.

The kids rotated through different stations. Adult volunteers helped man each station.  I was assigned the woodworking station.  The kids built peach crates.  

Maria was assigned to work the laundry station.

All the parents, in costume, watching the kids get their picture taken.

The kids all lined up on the porch, ready for their photograph.

Nate playing his part.

Family photo, all in costume.