World's Longest Concert

Eric is participating in a benefit concert with 1000 other musicians and an attempt to get in the Guinness Book of World Records for the World's Longest Concert. The concert will last 14 days and benefit The Children's Restoration Network. Very exciting!

Camping 2010

Wow! We just spent 2 days outside straight. It was in the 90's during the day and one night we had a major storm. We took Pika with us while the other dogs kept guard at the house. 3 out of 4 of us ended up sunburned and we spent the majority of the time swimming in the lake. The 2nd night our neighbors joined us and it was doubled the fun. While this was our best camping experience yet I don't think I will be ready to go back until next year.

Our camp site.

Eric going for a bike ride.

Sam holds the sun while...

...Josie captures it.

She loves her brother SOOOOO much.

Running in the waves...this is a lake?

Collecting magical things.

Falling in the mud while collecting magical things.

Friends arrive! Josie and Ausha take the Kayak out.

and the girls are off.

Realizing this can be a dock to jump off of.

Eric kayaking.

Sam surfing

Josie and Ausha song writing in the tent.

The boys playing in the sunset.

Sam and Miles.

Jump!

Cooking hot dogs for dinner.

Then roasting marshmallows and eating smores.

Glowstick fun. The girls.

The boys.

Josie's eyes.

Morning coffee station.

Mmmmmmmm.

Pika's ice cold drink.

Feeding the geese.

Eric serenades our guest.

Josie swimming with dogs and geese.

Pika promises to play nice.

The dogs end the day by taking the kayak out themselves.

Forth Weekend

When I was growing up the forth of July was a time when the neighbors came together. We would eat, play and then the "Dads" would put on a fireworks display. It became a tradition and one that I look back as some of the greatest times of my youth. For the past 6 years we have gone to our city's celebration which is a good one, but I was ready to try something new. I packed everyone up (including all 3 dogs) and headed for the lake. We spent 4 days swimming, eating, shopping, watching movies, picking berry, more eating and swimming some more. It was one of the best weekends ever. The biggest surprise was not one video game was ever played. No one even asked if they could play them, all they wanted to do was swim the whole time. Family bonding at its best and new memories created for all of us.

Sam & Josie Jumping for hours running on the dock to jump again.

Then resting.

Then jumping again.

Off to pick berries at the berry farm.

Josie collecting

Blueberry bushes that have blackberries growing over them- yummy!

Dandelion fields - Sam looks way too grown up for me in this picture.

Maddie and Pika

Swimming again.

I love this picture of Sam, still youthful.

Josie decided she no longer needs a floaty in the deep part.

Pearl swam with us even in 7 foot deep water.

Pika can swim too!

Sliding on in.

Pika's private cabana.

Getting ready for fireworks.

Setting up a spot on the dock. Everyone shoots off the fireworks over the lake.

Sparkler fun, but she is a little unsure why we hold something that is on fire.

Cool sparkler design by Sam.

Watching the fountain - notice the heart shape from the smoke.

Kaboom! Not bad for roadside fireworks.