Mt. Madonna Camping

True to form in keeping this a very busy, fun and full summer, within a week of returning from Philmont, we packed up again and headed out to Northern California. We spent a few days in Livermore and then, Grandpa and Grandma Black, went Camping to Mt. Madonna state park, which is in a redwood forest in the mountains just south of San Jose, CA. It was a beautiful setting, huge trees, lush foliage, squirrels, deer, raccoon all around us. The setting reminded us a lot of Star Wars (of course) on the moon of Endor. The kids would find neat trees/tree stumps to climb on and called them "Star Wars Trees". The biggest fascination however, turned out to be Grandma's favorite, the giant yellow banana slugs that were everywhere. We of course had to collect as many as possible as you will see by Kaylie below.
 

 

 

 

 

Remembering Mom's Birthday

July 11th was Mom's Birthday. To remember and celebrate it, our family went out to diner at one of Heidi's favorite restaurants, Texas Roadhouse. She loved the rolls there and could go just for those, forget the real food. As Dallyn's Birthday had just past, we let him ride on the saddle and get sung a birthday song by the staff.
 

Dallyn's 8th Birthday

On July 8th Dallyn celebrated his 8th birthday. He has looked forward to this birthday for a long time, as now he will get to be baptized. His baptism will be August 4th. He got many fun presents from friends and family, including his own scriptures, a tradition in our family for the 8th Bday. (Like his brother) he wanted to take some friends to Get Air, a trampoline park, and bounce until their hearts were content. It was a very hot day, well over 100, and those poor boys were covered in sweat after an hour on the tramps.


 

 

 

 

Happy Birthday Heidi

Happy Birthday Heidi. Today Heidi would have turned 35 years old if she was still here on Earth. This is a picture of Heidi at her birthday present from last year, Les Mis. Happy Birthday dear, we miss you.

Tooth of Time with the kids

After the incredible time I had with the Tooth of time with Lee, and beautiful view from on top, I decided I wanted my older two children to feel the joy of conquering something as grad and majestic as a hike to the top. So we got up just before 5am one morning and did a shorter but steeper route up. The kids, including Dallyn, were amazing and worked hard to get up and back in time for our breakfast and other time commitments back at camp. They thought it was an amazing experience.

 

 

 

 

Tooth of Time with Lee

 Close to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico is a historic natural land mark off the old Santa Fe Trail called the Tooth of Time. It stands out similar to Half dome in Yosemite and is at about 9000 feet, 3000 feet higher than the valley floor. Just before sun rise one morning my buddy Lee and I made about a 10 mile run up to the top of the tooth and back. Painful, but worth it.

 

Philmont Scout Ranch

For the past week the kids and I had the opportunity to attend a LDS Church wide leadership training for those in certain positions over the Young Men at Philmont Scout Ranch in Northern new Mexico. It was an incredible experience. I was in training all day, but the kids got to do many fun activities: horseback riding, hikes, crafts, archery, shooting, games, etc. The whole week was filled with wonderful insights and spiritual experiences as we learned from the General Young Men's presidency and key scouting officials. Some of the highlights are below.

Our family Banner for the parade.

 

We attended with our close friends from Centerville, the "other" Wrights. After several days of nothing but scout camp food we gave the kids a break and went onto the near town of Cimarron, NM, population of about 100, and found a small ice cream shop for them to enjoy.

By the end of each day the kids were extremely dirty. It was dusty and dry all around and my boys loved getting covered in it. To top it off, we slept in tents and there was no escaping it. Here is DJ, Kyler and Parlee after a full day in the dirt.

On the 4th the kids put on a western/patriotic parade. (No fireworks due to fire danger.)