After enduring my former company car, a Ford Taurus, for several years, I finally let Shelly pick a car that suited her better. After months of research, she selected a sandy beach 2010 Prius. Toyota began to distribute these cars in late May but so far none of the 2010 models that arrived in Boise had the desired color or option package. The day before we left on our vacation to California, I decided to check the Reno and Sacramento markets. As luck would have it, the exact car we wanted had just arrived at a dealer in south Lake Tahoe. After a few phone calls back and forth, a deal was reached and we returned from our trip with a souvenir that should provide us with many years of satisfaction and usefulness.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Family reunion in CA & camping in Yosemite
Our first vacation in 2009 was a fun filled week that started with a 3 day Denio (my mom's side) family reunion in Ripon, CA. We had been unable to attend the last few reunions, so it was special to see so many after so long. The Community Center proved to be the perfect location for the ~125+ family members that attended and there was plenty of room to play games, visit, eat, etc. Highlights included a talent show, softball games, great meals and a fellowship meeting Sunday morning with around 80 people.
So many people were taking pictures that we decided not to. So, if you were there and got some great shots, feel free to email them to Shelly or I and I will add them to this post.
So many people were taking pictures that we decided not to. So, if you were there and got some great shots, feel free to email them to Shelly or I and I will add them to this post.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Tuolumne Meadows - Yosemite
After arriving at Yosemite late Sunday afternoon and setting up camp in Tuolumne Meadows, we spent our first full day on Monday exploring our nearby surroundings. First, we went to the Tuolumne lodge and the cascading waterfalls and pristine pools.
Looking down stream, we could see Lembert Dome, our next destination
Looking down stream, we could see Lembert Dome, our next destination
Monday, July 13, 2009
Yosemite Valley & Mariposa Grove
Our second day in Yosemite took us from the cool air of the high elevation Tuolumne Meadows to the valley floor almost 3,000ft below. The 40 mile drive took over an hour due to the windy mtn road and countles scenic view points.
Yosemite Valley - El Capitan,(left), Half Dome, (center) and Bridalveil Falls, (right)
Yosemite Valley - El Capitan,(left), Half Dome, (center) and Bridalveil Falls, (right)
The halfway point of hiking to the top of Vernal Falls
Hundreds of steps but each one taking us closier to our goal.
Vernal Falls
Bryce climbing through the mist.
The view from the top.
The Ahwahnee Lodge where we recovered after the great hike and celebrated Erica's birthday, (11).
Rested and refreshed, we next went to the visitor center and then another hr drive to the south entrance of the park to the Mariposa Grove, which is home to several hundred giant sequoias. Again, pictures do not give you the true prespective of these monster trees that are 18ft across and up to 300' tall.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Softball Champion
In April, Erica began her second year of softball and it didn't take long for all of the basic skills to start coming together. With her strong arm, she started most games at either shortstop or third. Her agressive bat was always a factor in the middle of the lineup. Her coach began working on her pitching technique and before long she was on the mound for one or two innings a game. Always a cool as ice.
Ready for the ball at shortstop.
Balance and power at the plate.
Balance and power at the plate.
Erica quickly grew into the role of the closing pitcher. Shutting down the opposition and saving many victories.
Rounding the bases
Her team finished the regular season tied for second. Both losses were early in the season and to really good teams. Following the regular season, all teams played in a single elimination tournament. Erica's team had a first round bye and then a fairly easy victory in round two. In the semifinal round, the barely beat the other second place team which put them into the final against the undefeated first place team. With a crowd of over 400 people cheering them on, Erica and her team proceeded to win the championship game and bring home the 4ft trophy. What fun!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Mother's Day
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Spring Break in Seattle
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