Friday, July 04, 2008

Camping at Icehouse

We just returned from our annual Hansen family camping trip to Icehouse. We had such a great time! This was our first camping trip with Riley and she did pretty well. Sleeping was a minor issue, but overall the girl was as happy as ever. We never could have managed without the help of the family though, so thanks to everyone who walked the girls, sang to them, played with them, etc...!!!
We headed out on Saturday morning with a stop in Lodi for a family birthday celebration and an overnight stay at the Flag City RV Park. On Sunday morning we drove the rest of the way to the campground. No showers, pit toilets, and lots of dirt make for a fun, but truly "roughing it" trip. Though most of us did have a trailer or RV so I guess we did have some bit of luxury! :) Scott and Janet and Kelci and Melissa are the true campers. They camped out "old school" in tents, even after the bear sightings.

Here are some of the highlights of our trip:
1. Beautiful weather - God is great!
2. Fishing - we (I should say, not I because I did not fish) caught 7 fish!! I believe they were caught by Scott, Janet, Jaron, Kelci, Grandpa, and my dad.
3. Songs around the campfire brought to us by Uncle Scott on the guitar.
4. Dutch oven cake for Aunt Janet's birthday! Yummy!!
5. A tri-tip stealing bear. Yes, Jaron had 2 tri tips on the BBQ and with 5 minutes to go, he left to take Avery fishing and gave me instructions to take them off and wrap them in foil. So, my mom took them off, wrapped them up, and set them on the picnic table. It was just past dark, probably 9:15 or so, and everyone was sitting around the campfire. All of a sudden, we heard dogs barking and loud thumping. Lucy (my parents' dog) had charged the bear, but was on her tie out so could only go so far. A few of us ran over and saw that the meat was missing. My uncle Scott found one tri tip not far away from the table and then he and my dad went looking down the hill with flashlights in search of the bear. Not too smart, I must say. They found the foil not too far away and my dad saw the juvenile bear!! Jaron and Avery pulled up just after the chaos. He was bummed about the tri tip, but more bummed he missed the action! And yes, we did partake of the dropped tri tip and it was super good!!!
Here are some pics of the fun...

Great Grandma and Avery singing "This Little Light of Mine"

Roger with his massive log. He has found one both years and barks at it nonstop.

Aunt Janet blowing out her candles on top of the yummy white cake with chocolate frosting.

Aunt Karen and Riley. She was able to rock Riley to sleep so I could go enjoy some time at the Lake. Yahoo for great Aunties!

Maddy out for a float.

Mom and Riley, all clean after an outdoor shower!

Lucy and Roger had such a good time chasing sticks and swimming. Roger has not moved much since we got home. I think that was his exercise for the year.

Jaron and Roger out for a boat ride.

My dad cleaning out his catch of the day.

Avery and Grandpa

Fish Choir

Fish Faces

Thursday, June 26, 2008

Craft Swap

A while back I joined a craft swap hosted by my friend Kelci and the other day I received my beautiful items! I got a gorgeous apron and two dish towels! I absolutely love them! Thanks, Marie!!
\




Seal Beach Outing





Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Fun with Friends

While in So Cal we were able to visit with Mike and Zariq and had a great time, great food, and an awesome time playing guitar hero. Thanks guys!!!


A Mountain Dew taste test



Rock out!




More pool pics





Saturday, June 21, 2008

Friday Favorites on Saturday

1. Avon. My sis in law Amy is now selling Avon and I bought a few items and they are great! I love the waterproof mascara and face cleanser. I now have an on going wish list for more spectacular products. If you are in need of great inexpensive products check out her site here. And, you can get free shipping on any products until July 31st. Use this code at checkout: FSANY

2. Michael Buble - I love his music!!

3. Amy and Derek's pool!

Fun in good ol' Whittier!

Kaylin and Avery at Golden Spoon (frozen yogurt)
Bathing Beauty Riley


Trevor having fun on the slide!
Yahoo!


Uncle J and Trevor playing pool

The sleeping princess

Kaylin and Avery are having a great time using their floaties to swim back and forth across the pool.

Cutie Pie Kaylin

Trevor "delivered" a wonderful present of poop into the pool. Amy had a great time cleaning it up. Ha!

It's only a few blocks away

We are down in Southern Cal for a few days and last night we went out to Costa Mesa to visit my dear friend Sarah. We had so much fun visiting with her and her man, Jeff. We are experiencing a heat wave, though so to escape the heat inside of the house we decided to walk "just a few blocks" to the nearby park. Yeah, not just a few blocks away, but probably at least a mile away!! We had to give Sarah a hard time, but we had a fun time swinging and goofing around.
We also enjoyed a yummy dinner outside with icecream and strawberries for dessert. Riley was enamored with Jeff and just kept staring at him, as you can see in the pic! Good Times!



Avery really took to this stuffed ferrett that Sarah got for her 30th birthday. Very interesting. :)

Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Happy Birthday, Dad! (on the 16th)

1978: Dad and me
How Handsome!
Happy 52nd Dad! I love you!

Happy Fathers Day

Big Papa and Riley





Backyard Campout

Friday, June 13, 2008

Friday Favorites

1. Moped Day Pack from Lug. I saw this travel bag in my Simple Scrapbooks magazine and it looks so cool. Fabulous colors and just plain fun. I have plenty of bags, but this one is a bit different from anything I own. I entered to win one since the magazine is giving away 6 in this months contest. Don't enter though because I want to win. Im serious. That is why I am not giving you the link. :) HA!

2. Archer Farms coffee from Target. I love it. I first bought it because it was the cheapest flavored coffee I could find. I love the Vanilla Nut and Hazelnut Creme flavors. I have 2 cups every morning. I need it.

3. Crocs. Kelci posted this as a favorite on her blog last week and I must agree. Avery has 3 pairs and they are great for kids. She can slip them on fast and they clean up great. I agree they are not the most attractive shoes, but very functional. I have the black mary jane pair.

4. Closer Than Your Skin : Unwrapping the Mystery of Intimacy with God by Susan D. Hill. My mom gave me this book after my grandma recommended it. I have not finished it yet, but it is wonderful.

5. Craigslist.com I love this website. I have bought and sold so many items from this website. I check the "free" section daily.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

A tractor ride with Great Grandpa


Look Ma, no hands!


Don't I look smart?