Sunday, September 27, 2009

Just as memorable, fewer tears,

Some of you may remember our camping disaster just over a year ago. We finally worked up our courage to give the Lake Mead camping another try, and we're so glad we did. We got a little earlier start out to the lake this year and put our boat in. While we waited for our friends, Mike and the kiddos took a little swim. Dane has become such a little fish, completely unafraid of the lake. He just paddles away in his life jacket. Nora enjoyed standing in the tube and watching the boys. We are so glad that Dane has outgrown his horrible fear of boating and the lake. In fact, he was so excited to go on Friday that he had told his entire preschool class.
Little captains.
Hanging out in the boat.
Bryan, Anna, Bre, and Willie all arrived, so we headed across the lake to find our camping spot for the night. Nora almost fell alseep in Daddy's arms.
Dane enjoyed the ride with Momma.
Sunset on the lake.
This praying mantis was quite friendly and intrigued by the lantern.
Sadly, it turns out she was suicidal. Shortly after this photo, she jumped into our campfire.
As the sun set, Dane started getting a bit tearful and asking to go home. We were hoping that we would not begin a repeat performance of last year. However, after getting a tummy full of yummy camp food, and airing up the mattress for the tent, he settled in very well.
Both kiddos had a great time on the air mattress before bedtime.
I don't think any of us slept extremely well, but we made it through the night. For a few hours, we had all four of us on our full air matress, which was not so conducive to sleeping! It wasn't too awful to lie awake and look at the millions of beautiful stars in the clear sky. Before long, it was morning.
Trying to wake up over his morning chocolate milk.
Sunrise over the water.
We all climbed into Bryan and Anna's boat for some incredible wakeboarding. I forgot our camera back in our tent, so I stole some of Bre's pictures. There was no wind and no other boat traffic, so the water was incredible. We spent about 4 hours on the boat, and the kids were so good!
Dane loved to sit on the back of the boat and watch the boarders.
Nora just took it all in, too.
So much fun!

After a while, sleep overtook both kiddos.
Dane curled up all cozy.
Mike's mad boarding skills!



Sunday, September 20, 2009

Wild and crazy!

We had the Shepherd family (minus a sick Mommy) over this evening. Chaos ensued, as usual! These pictures are for you, Renee! We missed you, and your extra set of hands to help corral wild children.
Carter came running out of Dane's room with a bucket over his head, Dane chasing him and bonking him on the head with a play milk carton!
Round and round the family room!
Pretty soon, it was Dane's turn to wear the bucket, and Carter found a fireman's helmet.
A quieter moment.
The trail of strewn toys led us straight to the culprits! Dane was now pretending to be a football player with his "helmet."
And a couple of Nora, because I just couldn't resist! Love her little "antennae."
"Are you sure I need a bath?"

Friday, September 18, 2009

Back home

Nora especially loves all of her books recently.

Chocolate ice cream cones make for sloppy little faces.


Lake Mead Boulder Beach this evening.

Mike went for a swim.

Yes...

... we did go visit Mark, Anna, and Morgan in Moses Lake, Washington last weekend. Yes, I did remember our camera, and I even took a few pictures.
Golf tips from Uncle Mark. Hitting the links.
Captive audience.
Putting lessons.
Dane and Sasha dog in front of Moses Lake.
Future gymnast.
So strong!
Anna and her mom, Janna.
First bowling experience.
I think the ball weighed more than Nora, but that didn't stop her from trying to carry it around!
Strike!

Doggy pile!
Running in circles.
Nora's favorite little trick was jumping off the bottom step.
One quick Sunday shot of Dane and Morgan.