Seth's going away party! :)

*Warning! Picture overload!!*

Saturday morning we woke up at Hope Valley after a good night's sleep at least on my part.  Found Ken on the couch as he didn't sleep very well :(  Had some coffee and then we headed out.  A beautiful drive in the early morning hours.  When we got to Fresh Pond above Placerville we pulled in to make some breakfast and have our showers.  We got to Eric's house close to 1000.  

Sun was heating up the waters

These falls are huge and running like crazy on Highway 50

Father in Law Bobby was there helping Eric get set up.  EZ UPS and tables were being put out. We got parked and leveled then went up to help.  I found tablecloths and decorations so took them outside and got started.  The place looked really cute gotta say! Very patriotic, perfect for the day!  

Flags and Marine balloons!

Marine Corps Banner all across front of house:) 

Says it all!

There were cards labeled "Words of Wisdom" to pass too Seth..

Not too clear, but a tear jerker called " I give you my Son"...

Right near 1200 guests started arriving! Lots of family and friends all here to pay tribute to Seth for joining the Marine Corps.  A wonderful party! 

Mason and one of Seth's friends..first to arrive

Seth and a friend..

Lots of Marine Corp flags..

Some tables and decorations

Neighbors from across the street! He was a Marine in 1969..

Marcus, Denise and Isabella :)

Amber and two of her kids! 

Neighbor Kathy, Ken and Russell...

Bobby, Tony and Bobby walking in..

Christina in the black shirt..looking good after her weight loss..

Seth and friends..

Some of the parking lot...more cars later in the day..

Daughter in Law Cheryl..Bryan on the side along with Denise 

People kept arriving and leaving throughout the day.  There was tons of food so no one left hungry that's for sure! 

The goat pen was a huge success for part of the day..

Cheryl, Owen, Aaron  and Bryan heading to the goat pen

Owen loved the goats..

Cupcakes with OOH RAH pins in them..

Love this pic!  Seth and Owen..birthday buddies
November 10th which also happens to be
the Marine Corps Birthday! 

Seth and his great grandma..Love this!

Dusty with Cassidy, Seth, Chelsea, Owen, Bobby and Linda

Aaron, Seth, Russell, Lori and Aaron..

Mason showing his skills on the quad

Getting read to end the day by relaxing..

Towards the end of the day it was just the few of us and it was nice chit chatting outside.  The temps cooled nicely.  

Eventually we went inside and visited some more then it was bedtime. 

Seth was surprised at all the people who showed up to congratulate him and show their support for this young man making this commitment to the military in these uncertain times! Love you Seth and your papa and I are so proud!! 

Sunday morning we didn't wake until almost 0700 :)  Had some coffee and then went inside to see how everyone was doing.  I got some breakfast stuff I brought and made some pancakes for Mason, 3 eggs and cheese for Seth, Egg Mc Muffins for Eric and Ken, egg beaters for me.  Dishes done and time for a shower.  

We didn't leave Eric's house until 1300 but that was ok, as we were just headed home. 

Time to empty the trailer and because Ken wants to go to Carson City tomorrow he had to unload the Tundra and then take two tires off the 73 Dodge.  Gotta make it worth our while right?! 

Have a great night..bedtime for me!

Bridgeport camping...the love of cousins..on our way to Seth's party!

The Group...Holly Seth, Greg, Jacob, Mason and Adam! :)

The Glaciers Adam trekked too..;

We left Sunday and got to Bridgeport a little after 1100.  We found ourselves a spot at Upper Honeymoon Flat and then we found another because of the kids.  Had ourselves lunch at the 2nd campsite because there was shade.  After lunch we took a little drive through a couple of the campgrounds nearby.  

We just enjoyed the afternoon and then Ken bar b qued some chicken for dinner. Once the sun went down it was really cold so Ken started a nice fire and later we hid ourselves in the trailer. 

Monday morning, we were waiting for the kids and because there was no cell service we really didn't know when they would get there.  Jacob, Mason and Jacob's friend Greg got there in the afternoon.  I made them sandwiches and then they headed off fishing.  Seth and Holly got there early evening.  A nice time was had by all!  Ken made hamburgers for dinner and a turkey burger for me. Later we figured Greg ate the turkey burger. Such a nice young man not a word about it.  I think we didn't get to bed till close to 1200.  

Ken checking the bar b q..

Our view...

The other campsite where Seth and Holly stayed..

Adam ready for his 12 miles hike!

At the end of the road..left..Jacob, Greg and Mason..

Tuesday, I was making breakfast for them ( too busy cooking to take pics..haha) all when I hear..."Hi Grandma"...Adam left home around 0500 and there he was!  All four that were going to make it were there..along with Greg and Holly (Seth's girlfriend) 

Kids went fishing..Adam went on a hike (12 miles).  We were going  to rent the pontoon boat that afternoon. We went up after lunch and it was "No, not happening" Everything was reserved for at least the next two days. Bummer!  Middle of the week really??!!!  Yep.. So we told the boys and they were fine with it. The boys were fine with fishing, Holly came with us to the lake and we people watched (along with some sun) for a long while.  Eventually the boys came back and we headed back to camp.  

Dinner, fire, smorfs and all was good. :0 

Adam taking a nap..

Adam, Greg, Mason and Jacob's home..

Mason playing a game,,no service where we were..

Greg and Jacob...

Adam, Jacob, Greg, Seth and Holly..

Adam, Jacob, (Patsy can you guess which is Jacob?)..Holly
and Seth..

Jacob, Greg, Ken, Holly and Seth..:)

Adam and his Papa! 

I look at these kids and think "How can my grandchildren be
this grown?!!!" .. MY HEART!! 

Wednesday was supposed to be our go home day, but the kids wanted to stay..ok why not?! Boys went fishing, Seth and Holly went to Bodie State Park and checked it out.  Adam went on an 18 mile hike! We went to town for a few things.  Eventually we met back at camp.   Ken cooked some chicken and hot links for dinner. 

I have to say...Nice to have the four cousins together (wish it could have been 5 but Aaron had football ).  There was lots of emotion, realizing that this could be the last time for a few years. Each of the cousins are proud of all the others. They did mention that how they don't see each other often, but they always looked forward to the summer trips with us :)) The simple things, Lord knows that what they get with us. :)  Were there tears? YEP... Not a dry eye in the trailer...but wouldn't have it any other way..:0  Cousins that love each other and will always be there for each other.  That's what matters in life!
Reminds me of when Russell was in the Marine Corps and left on float,  Bryan and Eric (along with others) drove overnight from Sacramento to San Diego to see him off..that's love and that's what these brothers and cousins have :)  

We all left on Thursday to head for our homes.  Adam decided since he was so close to Yosemite and Tioga Pass he'd head home that way.  Our adventurer!  When the other boys got home they let me know,  so all was good! 

We cleaned up camp since we only had an hour and a half  to home. Arrived around 1330.  Lunch and then it was time to unload some things.  

Friday..We're leaving again and heading to Eric's house in Cool, CA.  There's a family good bye party for Seth as he heads to MEPS on Sunday the 18th.  We left after lunch as we knew we weren't going too far.  Got some groceries in Gardnerville and then headed for Turtle Park up the mountain. NO sites available! We tried another NFS park, but nothing there too so we're near Hope Valley in a dispersed camping area near the highway.  Not bad for Free. Enjoyed being outside till the sun went down and then some dinner. 

Our campsite tonight....

Hoping to leave early and head for Fresh Pond to have showers and breakfast.  Then to Eric's for the day and night. Looking forward to celebrating Seth!! 

Have a good night! Bedtime for me!

We're out of here for a few days!

Good morning everyone!  Spent Friday in Reno shopping for our trip and yesterday was getting the trailer ready to go.  We're just about ready to head over to Bridgeport, CA and camping until Wednesday! 

If all goes as planned we'll have 4 of our 5 grandsons for all or part of the trip.  We're planning on being at Upper Honeymoon Flat.  It's about the only area you can get without reservations anymore.  

There is no cell service so there won't be any update until Wednesday afternoon! 
Looking forward to this getaway and time with the grandsons!  

Christina posted this morning..11 years
ago today!  Now Seth (oldest) is heading
to the Marines on the 19th! Mason
is a 9th grader in High School! 

Seth and Rhys (Reece). Rhys came from
Tehachapi to spend the week with
Seth.  They haven't seen each other in
5 or more years.  

Seth, Rhys and Mason...There was some dirt bike riding
involved yesterday! 

Baby Amelia came to visit yesterday!
We actually kept her for about an hour
so her grandma could get a few things
done without a newborn to worry
about :)  10 days old :) 

A catch up week..

Ken got home on Saturday night after changing the blown tire.  Sunday morning I decided to head for the  Sacramento area and pick up the bassinet my sister had for baby Amelia.  Had a lovely drive down highway 50. I love driving early in the morning with not a lot of traffic on the road, just a nice, easy drive.  I got to my sister's house a little after 0900.  Well darn, no one was home. I went out back to her shed and grabbed the bassinet. Thanks, Linda! 

Our beautiful flag flying in the breeze :) 

Since I was still early and in the area, I headed the few miles to Ken's mom's house and had a nice visit with her.  So glad I got to spend a little time with his mom :) 

I tried to get hold of Wendy (middle sister) and we missed each other but I headed over to son Russell's house for a little visit.  I got to see the whole family which was nice.  Not a long visit, but a visit! :) 

It was nearing 1300 so I headed home.  Stopped in Auburn as I was starving! We never eat fast food anymore but I needed something.  Was able to order a low carb burger. It was small but like a hamburger salad.  Ok, now i can make it home. 

The bassinet, like new

A nice drive up Highway 80, I like 50 better but I was on the 80 side. Happy Hour with the hubby. :)

Monday morning I brought the bassinet in and took off the skirting to wash it up.  Later in the day we ran it over to Karen's.  She had a crowd there visiting baby Amelia so we didn't stay long. 

Tuesday morning we headed out to Carson City.  We headed for Discount Tire to see about some new tires for the Tundra and 2 new tires for the flatbed trailer. Yep..plunked a pretty penny! The Tundra tires had to be ordered from Texas so next week sometime they should be in.  Ken's last Dr. appointment for his shoulder.  Dr. Cummings released him and wished us well.  Great doctor! We also visited Walmart and Tractor Supply while we were in town and a quick stop at Dollar Tree for some red white and blue decorations for Seth's going away party. 

Boxed up to take to Seth's party

Couldn't resist this cute purse on clearance $2.50..now it's time
for VACAY! 

By the time we were done we were hungry!   We stopped in at a place called Betsy's Big Diner inside Slot World Casino.  Cute place and decent food.  We both said we'd go back again. No dinner needed. 

Betsy's Big Kitchen
Carson City, NV

Wednesday was a hang around the house day :)  Started out my morning with the hula hoe.  I can say now that with all that's been done, I should be able to go out every few weeks and get the new growth with the hula hoe, with not much work. Ken got the tires on the trailer and changed the oil in our 2008 Patriot. Got some things done and in the afternoon we went over to Karen's to visit with baby Amelia.  Loved getting to hold and feed her for a bit :) There's something about babies. :) 

We came home after a good visit and then it was Happy Hour time. It had cooled enough we were able to sit out front and enjoy looking at our scenery! Definitely a good night. 

This morning, Thursday woke Ken up about 0530 for coffee.  With the days so hot, it's nice to get going early.  I had prepped some banana bread and my flourless  chocolate chip cookies yesterday so threw them in the oven early this am.  Deciding what to have for dinner, we decided on broccoli crust pizza! Yep that works.  I got that stuff together and after lunch we made the pizza.  We'll only fire up the oven long enough to cook it this evening. 

We put some things on the calendar and have discovered August is going to be super busy! It's over before it even starts!! Haha.  Ken went to his last physical therapy appointment and Carrie sent him home with a regimen to do at home. A great group of people at Mason Valley Physical Therapy! 

Thought this was too cute on FB.  Our
youngest son, Russell took his youngest son
       school clothes shopping..haha.  He said Aaron's worse than a girl.
(He's 14 and entering high school)
Russell was ready to pull his hair out
if he had any! HAHAH.
  He did give
Lori credit for doing this every other year!!

Eric went with Christina and Mason school shopping this year..Wonder if he'll go again next year?! Thinking NOT! A new school year begins! 

Ken's running to town quick and it'll be Happy Hour time when he gets back!  Have a great evening everyone!