Seth signs! Leave date moved up! Baking, patio work, Family catch up!

It's really happening! 

Grandson Seth signing papers this morning that give him
Combat Support as his MOS in the Marine Corps.  Just what he
wanted! 

Wednesday night we started out in the guest room and it's wonderful air conditioning as it was just too hot not to have it on!  About 0300 Thursday morning I woke up so congested I couldn't get comfortable and breathe. I tossed and turned until 0400 and then got up and went into our bedroom.  Turned the tv on and was wide awake.  I think my hula hoeing the last two days stirred up my allergies and I was miserable. At about 0500 it was time to wake Ken up for coffee :)  Time to get the day started. 

Our beautiful sunset yesterday :))

Best time of the day! 

We did our usual morning routine of coffee, a sweet treat and visiting with our blogging friends.  Before it go too late, I ran out to the fifth wheel and made sure it was ready for company again.  Then over to the bunk house to put the sheets and quilt that Karen had washed (her kids, so she thinks she needs to do the laundry).  Went up in the loft and did those sheets as well.  Thank goodness for air conditioning out there, as it was hot already and it was before 0800.  

Time for a shower and some breakfast. Ken got the rest of the pavers unloaded and a short start to the project.  We had Pioneer Woman on and she had made some rib eye quesadillas for dinner.  Ken thought it looked good but said use the chicken we have. An easy dinner for sure.  

I ran to Raley's for the couple of things we didn't have and then by The Attic, a thrift store that benefits the Mason Valley Boys and Girls Club.  I was looking for any baby bassinet sheets for Amber, but they didn't have much in baby stuff.  I went over to the glassware section and found these below. 

Looking into the two new (old) bowls..I liked them because they
reminded of bowls Grandma Phillips had, except hers were
colored. I'l keep looking :) 

This is a bowl too..I love the pattern and have other dishes
with the same pattern..

A new wine glass, smaller than my others..Think I'll drink
less wine or just more glasses LOL! 

Then home to get some work done. Ken actually started the patio extension project. How he works in this heat i'll never know.  He knows what he wants it to end up like so i'll just take a few pics and we'll see how it ends :) 

Here's what he's working on..He's trying to level where
the new pavers will go..I'm just following the process :) 

Ken added 3 pavers..I know, it's the little things :) 

Ken ran over to Karen's to see when the kids were coming (up in the air now).  I was home enjoying the air conditioning when he came to get me.  We went next door for a bit and enjoyed my wine, getting caught up with Karen, Izzie and Isabel. 

Home and our quesadillas for dinner.  

Earlier in the afternoon I got a text from Eric that our grandson Seth's leave date for the Marines had been changed to August 19th so the going away party would be August 10th.   WOW...the way time flies it'll be here before we know it! 

Thursday night's sleep was much better.  We started and finished in the guest room!  Had our coffees this morning in our room, mainly because that's where the cable tv is :)  

Tomorrow is a party next door for 4 year old Sophia so I'm taking cookies.  Worked on those this late morning.  I tried a couple of new low carb treats for me. Cream cheese and strawberry muffins and a different chocolate chip cookie.  I love trying new recipes for fun!  Too hot to be outside! 

Since I had nothing to do one afternoon..made a Marine Corp
pillow :) Now to find some Navy material.  I actually had
this material from when I made valances and pillows for
Grandson Aaron when he was about 5 and wanted his
room Marines! Good thing I kept the material! 

This morning I craved fried eggs and hash browns..these are
fried radishes and made my breakfast extra yummy! I am
an egg beater person, as i don't want the cholesterol in eggs. Every
once in awhile though it's gotta happen! :) 

Chocolate chip and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies..

Cream cheese muffins and Almond flour cookies..

Ken had one of the last of his physical therapy appointments today. After he sees his doctor on the 29th he'll have one more and then be let go.  Definitely glad he got it done! Now he's living pain free! 

Tomorrow we are heading for Washoe Valley to pick up a load of firewood Ken ordered.  Winter will be here before you know it!  One reason I baked today instead of tomorrow. 

Grandson Adam spent two nights at Mount Rainier, Washington and now he's in North Cascades National Park.  This is his second night there.  No pictures yet, but he did call this am :)  He's loving his adventure! 

Mount Rainier, Washington.  Adam said it was overcast and foggy
at the bottom, so he drove to the top and this was what he
saw! Beautiful isn't it!?

Isn't that lake gorgeous! Makes me want to go!

Eric, Seth and Mason took a day trip to Loon Lake, Ca.  Looks like they had a blast so here's a few pics from that.  There is a couple of videos that were taken too, if I can get them I'll post them tomorrow! They're pretty cool! 

Seth and Mason on the Rubicon Trail..

Beautiful Loon Lake, CA

Two fishermen

The lake's so clear!

Two brothers spending time together before Seth leaves
for 13 weeks of Boot Camp!

Last but not least..Cheryl decided to spruce up her laundry area in her garage.  Thought it looks so cute so had to share.  Wouldn't you smile if you did laundry here with American Stars!? A patriotic laundry area!! 

Russell, Lori and Aaron are in Las Vegas this weekend for basketball tournaments.  Rogue Select (Aaron's team) won last night in game 1! Excited to hear about the next games! Go Rogue Select! 

Happy Hour time! Enjoy your evening! 

Another catch up! A new project for Ken :)

I have no idea where the week goes!  Here we are again and it's Wednesday! 

Friday night was a good night at the Super 8.  I brought dinner from stuff we'd cooked all week so no going out was needed.  We enjoyed just relaxing in the room. 

Ghost Pirate..or so Ken called it when he told
ghost stories to the young grandchildren! OOHH..

Low Tide ..

Boys at Low Tide..

Mason with a little crab..

Beautiful! Dillon Beach

Saturday morning Ken wasn't feeling great, so we decided to just stop by my sister's and leave our gift for 1 year old Cassidy.  We were both disappointed not to stay, but we did see her!  She's such a cutie :)  Visited for a few minutes and then hit the road.  

Happy 1st Birthday Miss Cassidy!! 

Big Brother Owen, with his sword we got him..just because

My sister Linda's pool ;) 

It was a mermaid party! 

Decorated so cute ;) 

Saturday was also our youngest son's birthday.  Russell turned 41 and he had plans all day long.  I wouldn't expect any less!  

Happy Birthday Russell! 

We had to stop in Minden to pick up Ken's prescriptions that weren't ready on Monday when we left.  Homeward bound.  

Near Hope Valley, Ca

Highway 50..you can see Lake Tahoe in the distance! It was
a gorgeous blue!

Sunday and Monday were stay at home days. :) Spent the days getting caught up and getting things done. It's been hot, too hot! Karen and her daughter Isabel came over for Happy Hour so we were able to sit out front in the breeze and chit chat awhile. Later that  night we headed straight for the guest room, as it has an air conditioner.  Just too hot to sleep in our room. 

Karen..:)

Her daughter Isabel..

Tuesday morning I decided the hula hoe and I needed another date.  After visiting with our blogging friends, I headed outside and spent about an hour digging up the stuff that keeps growing back.  I don't mind doing it, as it's about the only thing I do outside in the summer.  It has to be done early before those evil lizards start to wake up. haha.  

After a much needed shower, while I was making breakfast we decided that it was time to head for Walmart and Lowe's.  We got a later start than we like, but it worked.  Lowe's is in Carson City about 70 miles from here.  We headed to Walmart first for some groceries etc. Then it was Lowe's as Ken's got a new, small project to take on.  It was nearing 1400 so to our favorite Chinese restaurant and linner. Hot and Sour soup that is delicious and then schezauhn chicken for both of us.  I only eat the meat and veggies, but the portions are huge so brought home my rice and the leftover entree.  

Eric is off this week, so stole this pic from their day trip
to Truckee and Tahoe..

Love this pic of Seth and Mason!

We stopped by a place in Silver Springs to see if they had the 16x16 red patio stones we were looking for.  Lowe's doesn't carry them.  This place does, but because it was after 1600 they were closed. :( Oh well, that's what tomorrow is for right?!  We headed home, put away groceries and enjoyed a quiet happy hour with the two of us.  I did end up eating some salad for a late dinner as I was hungry.  Thought we'd watch the end of Jurassic Park in our room, but as soon as our heads hit the pillows we were out.  About 0300 I woke up hot and yucky so I headed for the guest room and that welcome air conditioning. :)  I didn't wake Ken as he was sleeping so I guessed he was comfortable. 

This cute thing was on the window of Ken's garage..

Nice full moon on Monday..

About 0530 I started the coffee and woke Ken.  After our checking in with friends I decided I needed another date with the hula hoe.  I headed out for another hour or so and then inside for the much needed shower.  Breakfast was around 0930 or so, later than we like, but on days like this outside needs to be done first (at least my outside).   

Ken had therapy at 1100 and we had a small salad lunch after he got home.  I decided to ride along with him to Silver Springs to get the patio stones.  Too hot to be outside and the house was clean inside.  We actually took a drive through the area the first house we put an offer on before we bought this one.  Honestly we know there was divine intervention that one didn't happen.  Our neighbors would have been pigs! They had trash and so many non running vehicles. We're so much better off here! 

I sat in the truck while Ken loaded 35 of these stones, 35 pounds a piece. Wow are they heavy.  I felt guilty, but like he said there wasn't anything I could do.  Then we headed home and I decided it's time to get caught up once more :) 

35 Stones..

Concrete 

This is the area we are extending..well, I'm the supervisor LOL

Last week I wrote some notes to me about 3 of our grandsons, now it's time for the last two...

Adam, our first born grandchild.  He went everywhere with us from the time he was a baby. His first camping trip was with us to the beach at 4 months. He's going to college and working 2 jobs this summer.  He got on with the state as a Park Aid and he cooks at a pizza parlor in Georgetown. 
I like to think that we influenced his love of travel.  He's our Adventurer in the family.  
Park Aids all get a week off during the summer. There he works 10 hour days Thursday thru Sunday.  He took off a little time from the pizza place and Monday morning he headed out by himself.   Monday night he was in Bend, Oregon.  He was supposed to meet a friend yesterday afternoon, but she got called into work. So he headed further north. We didn't hear from him last night but he called this morning. He was on a hike at Mt. Rainier, Washington.  He told me it was so beautiful and yes he was enjoying himself all alone.  Hopefully he'll send me some pictures! I love how he appreciates nature and the beauty.  I think he'll do just fine in this life. :)

Adam's first night in Bend, OR. He was at a dispersed
campground. NFS..Tuesday night in NFS campground..he was
the only one there..so he slept in the car.  Where will he end
up tonight?  I told him hopefully a Mt. Rainier campground. 

Jacob, our third born grandson by 8 days (Seth was first)..first thing you notice about Jacob is his height.  He's about 6'4" now at 17. The next thing you notice is his beautiful smile! With Jacob you see that smile a lot!  He loves basketball and is really good at it.  Before graduating high school this June he made the decision to join the Navy.  We are very proud!  He has now decided to be an air traffic controller in the Navy.  He realizes this is a great career goal for when he gets out.  They are needed everywhere and of course they are paid well for what they do.  He's working this summer at a sushi restaurant but has told the Navy recruiter that he would take an earlier leave date than January.  We've watched him grow up and into a fine young man with goals and lots of humor. 

We've got one story that I never want to forget.  When he was younger, he'd have issues (nothing that serious) at school and he was telling us about what happened.  Ken said to him "Jacob, why do you do that when you know you're going to get in trouble?"  He looks straight at Ken and says "I know Papa, but sometimes I just can't help myself!" Lord knows we've said that sometimes too...

Happy Hour time! Have a great evening!

Picture and narrative overload! Sure enjoyed the time at the coast!

Fair warning, lots of catchup and pics! 

Our beautiful flag the night before we left ;) 

Sunset :) 

Monday morning we were able to leave on time, but we had to make a stop at Ken's doctor's office.  He had ordered some prescriptions over a week ago and they still had not been filled.  We figured the office had been closed during 4th of july week and we were right. He talked to the receptionist and she said she would get him to call it in to Raley's in Gardnerville.  We headed that way and of course no call..They called him and we tried to no avail. Messages were left. After a half hour or so , we left.  

Headed down Highway 50 and onto 80 in Sacramento.  Ken ate a sandwich on the road on the way and I had a salad. Traffic wasn't too bad until we hit 37 out of Vallejo.  Slowly we proceeded..Touched base with Christina as they were already at the beach.  Around 1500 they were able to get into the house and we followed not long after.  Christina's dad and his girlfriend, Donna were there too.  Grandsons Adam and Aaron showed up a little later.  Jacob texted and said he would be there on Tuesday morning! For a day we'll have all 5 grandsons together. 

Traffic near the bay area going in..doesn't anyone work
anymore LOL!

Six Flags, Vallejo..

The bay waterway..

Petaluma, CA..gotta love the flag!

Petaluma, CA

Aaron needed a nap :)

On our way to the ocean..

Linda, back of store and cafe..

Front of store..Ken and Adam waiting outside...

We didn't do a whole lot except chit chat and get caught up.  We had pulled pork sandwiches, Winco chicken and Donna made some marcaroni salad to enjoy. 

I got a really nice surprise as Bobby (Christina's dad) had bought me a case of my favorite wine as a Thank You!  Very sweet of him. 

Thank You Bobby!! :) 

Inside the store, used to be a cute country store with everything
for campers..Now it's organic and YUPPIE..:( 

Souvenirs for sale..

Not what it used to be :( I don't know who they think
they are catering too..certainly not campers..Looks more
like Bed Bath and Beyond..:(

Adam and Ken

We ran into Mason and Eric..

They've put in new park models..we assume are to rent..

The Red Porch..there used to be a man with a telescope who sat
there...not anymore :( 

Eric, Mason, Ken and Adam..

The House we rented..called Wind Song..Adam's car out front..

Tuesday morning we all got up and around and took our time. No hurry we're on vacation.  After breakfast we stayed around, Jacob came and then we all went down to the ocean.  The boys had a boogy board so they played a long while on that in the cold water.  I had made sandwiches for everyone before we went down so as each got hungry they had a sandwich and chips.  Eventually the wind blew and the boys came out blue!  Time to head home and warm up.  It wasn't long after that Bobby and Donna left to head back to Sacramento.  

The plan for dinner was cheese burgers on the bar b q.  Later in the evening we had a nice fire (Thanks Eric for bringing wood) out back and enjoyed the evening until late...way late! 

Wednesday morning after breakfast Adam left to head home as he had to be at work at 1600.  WE hung around the house for a while.  Ken and i drove to Petaluma to do a little stocking up.  By the time we got back the sun was shining bright!  Eric, Ken me and the boys headed down to the beach so the boys could play in the ocean and we could watch. It was a lovely afternoon! They weren't near as cold when they got out of the water.   

Eventually we headed back to the house and Ken got the chicken ready to bar b q.  It wasn't defrosted enough so the decision was made to have burgers and hot links for dinner. That works.  French fries in the oven. After dinner a nice fire and conversation :) Another late night but why not?!

Thursday morning was a later wake up for Ken and me. Eric and Chris were in the living room and had been for awhile. We chatted a while and then it was time to get breakfast going! Everyone was fed and Ken suggested going for a bike ride. OK..Seth and Mason had brought theirs but turns out it was too tall for me, I know the first time I had to stop...I'd stop all right, on the ground :0  We went for a nice walk instead, down to the old pier that is no longer used :(  Then we walked back via the beach.  We were gone a couple of hours. Still no sunshine :(
The boys had driven over to Bodega Bay to have lunch.  Ken and I got some leftovers and then we ran to Tomales to grab some beer.  Upon return it was quiet ..they boys were playing Monopoly which was fun to watch them.  I went out bak to read and then decided if I had time to read I have time to get the blog started. Ken was taking a little nap and I headed to the living room. 

We went outside and Ken started a fire.  Later on some chicken was thrown on the bar b q.  After dinner back outside with the kids and some beers and wine were drank along with great conversation. 

Eventually I called it a night and Ken shortly followed.  These late nights are catching up on both of us :0  I slept like a rock once again.  Friday morning I awoke about 0500 and just played there a bit after starting the coffee.  Shower was grabbed and then chit chatted with Eric and Christina.  I started breakfast for the kids and everyone got served what they wanted. A few egg mc muffins, french toast and apple muffins for some. We all pitched in with the cleaning they require then Jacob and Aaron were the first to leave.  Eric and Christina were next a little later.  I had the kitchen to clean, so told them to go home.  The kitchen was so tiny you could only have one cook at time in there!  We didn't need to leave too early as we were only heading to Sacramento for the night.  WE left about an hour later.  

Seth, Aaron, Adam and Mason..

All 5 grandsons :)) 

Jacob, Seth, Aaron, Adam and Mason :) 

Too cold, time to get out! 

Mason, Eric, Bobby, Chris (front) Donna, Ken..:) 

Ok, too cold, chattering teeth...Seth, Adam, Aaron, Jacob

Sitting around outside..

Adam and Eric working on starting the fire!

We pulled into the Super 8 at about 1420. Traffic was horrible from the bay area on. We expected it as every Friday the bay area people escape and head for the mountains or Tahoe.  Oh well, we're here.  Tomorrow at 1200 is Baby Cassidy's first birthday party.  Tomorrow is also our baby boy's 41st Birthday.  Don't think we'll see him, but we'll talk with him. Hard to believe our youngest is 41!! 

Beautiful plants out back..

Dinner time!

Adam and Eric solving world problems :) 

Gotta love that smile Jacob!

Aaron, comfy and on his phone..

Seth just chillin...

Beautiful succulents..

Fire's going..

This was different..playing Monopoly! Interesting conversation!

Christina taking it easy..she's on vacation right?!

There's Eric! :) 

We were gifted for a Mother's Day/Father's Day this cool table!
Can't wait to use it!

Thanks Eric, Chris and family!

Ken, Eric and Jacob..

Christina and Aaron..

Eric and Mason..

Ken, Mason, Me, and Seth.. :) 

Christina, Mason, Eric and Seth getting ready to go..

All loaded up!!

Well, as you can see blog didn't get posted on Thursday either. Decided it was more important to spend time with Eric, Chris and the boys outside by the fire pit.  The blog can always be written. Time with family can't be gotten back :)

A beautiful morning!

Going over the Vallejo bridge..

Traffic headed home..

I really can't tell you how much I enjoyed this time with everyone :) Nothing better than family and we are blessed. Even though parents couldn't make it we were so happy to have all the grandsons visit for the time they could (those jobs sure get in the way haha)..  Hoping next year more of the family can come and we'll all be together. It won't be at that house though. Way too small of a kitchen and they had the smallest shower we've ever seen! We'll be on the look out for a different house. Wouldn't trade the 5 days for anything :) Eric is still on vacation next week and hoping they find something fun to do...of course they could head for our house if they can't think of anything :) 

Hard to believe this was two years ago!

Boys at the beach..

There's a rock to climb..they climb it :) 

What a unique yard! 

The old pier...we spent many years on
it, crabbing! Lot's of people fished from
it and now it's shut down :((

Looks like they are ignoring what needs
to be done to reopen..really sad..

Linda, this is out by the sea wall...

Have a great evening everyone!