More of Rock Creek

Rock Creek Continued

Gwen in the dirt, of course. A little hike we took along the creek from our campsite.

Rock Creek in May

I know I'm late with this post. But since I'm making my blog into a book I thought I better include this annual tradition. I think this is our 5th or 6th year going to Rock Creek on Memorial Weekend. This time we had a new private campground, we were much closer together and spent a lot of great times with each other. We did a day trip to June Lake Loop and hiked to a water fall where on the way we saw a couple deer and where they nested. It was really pretty! That is where this family picture is taken. On the way back we stopped at ObsidianDome. We gathered some cool rocks while the fearless boys hiked the rocky slope to the very top. We sat around the campfire roasting marshmallow for smore's or circus peanuts if you were feeling adventurous. The boys made a fort just across the creek from our campsite. Gwen couldn't get enough of the dirt. From the moment we arrived she was covered in it to the time we left. I think that is why kids love camping so much. They get to get dirty!!! We stayed in Grandpa Beck's new motorhome. What a treat! Thanks again, family for another great time. See you next year.

California Adventure

The second half of our 2 park hopper from Stuart's Birthday. We went a couple weeks later in June to California Adventure. This is a fun park for kids. Gwen loved loved loved playhouse disney on stage, bugs life area with little rides for her, her favorite there was the Heimlich's chew chew train. We must have gone on that 4 times in a row. She also loved the carousel. Although she loves mini mouse this is how close she would get to her before freaking out. Something about people dressed up in big costumes as animals. Fun times!!!

Disneyland for Stuart's Birthday!!!

On May 19th 2009 we took Gwen to Disneyland for her very first time for Stuart's birthday. Get in free on your birthday,...what a great deal. We even upgrade to the 2 park hopper so I'll post California Adventure next. Gwen was in awe the whole time. I think her favorites were Small World, Pirates of the Caribbean (go figure), Tom Sawyers Island, and the parade that she and I danced in :) Stuart got to wear this button so people knew it was his birthday so everywhere we would go they would shout out "Happy Birthday Stuart". Its kind of fun to get that many birthday wishes. It also helped get us to the front of the line on the new hour long wait Submarine ride. An employee worked his magic and created for us what they call a "magic moment" because it was Stuart's birthday. Disneyland is soooo much fun!!!

Gwen's 1st Angel Game

Back on May 27th we went to an Angel game courtesy of my dad. This was Gwen's 1st Angel Game and it was fun!. I think she enjoyed the sucker the most. Look at those blue lips! It's always fun when the Angels win too!

The Gwen Show

Gwen laughing her head off because her brother Damon is blowing bubbles,...ah the simple things in life...Notice the shirt. We took Gwen to Disneyland recently for the first time and she had never seen any of the characters on the TV before, but she absolutely loves Mickey, Mini, Goofy, Daisy, Donald, and Pluto. What is it with Disneyland...you gotta love it.

Nathan's new sport.

Nathan has enrolled in a water polo summer camp that ran for two weeks. He loves it and has even come up with his own way to beat a player he's being guarded by,...spit water in their face as he's going up to score. Now, that's thinking!

Welcome to High School soccer!!!

Damon has started his summer season with San Jaun Hills High School. WARNING: those with queezy stomachs should not scroll down.

Ouch!

Nathan's 6th Grade Promotion

Brandon's 8th Grade Promotion

8th grade dance

Just looking at this wonderful group of kids brings warm fuzzies to my heart. I'm so glad Damon has such a great group of friends to hang out with. I hope they stay together throughout high school.

The Counter

Build you own burger at The Counter!
Stuart took me to this place and showed me pretty much the best burger I've ever eaten so we took the boys back to build their own burgers! Fun!



This is Damon's burger: Jalapeno jack cheese, black olives, lettuce blend, spicy pepperoncinis, and sweet BBQ sauce. He said it was great!


Here we have Stuart's creation which has become Keri's all time favorite burger in the world. Danish blue cheese, bermuda red onion, mixed baby greens, and dijon balsamic dressing on a hamburger bun. Yummy!!!

The Counter continued

Delicious onion rings, fries, and sweet potato fries!!!










Stuart's "Greek Burger" with greek feta cheese, black olives, lettuce blend, bermuda red onion, spicy pepperoncinis, and a dijon balsamic dressing on an english muffin.















The kids at the fountain digesting their gigantic burger from the Counter.

Ladera Ranch Middle School 8th Grade Awards Night

By invitation only...

Damon received the "Ladera Pride Award" for outstanding citizenship and effort in the classroom.

Here he is accepting his award from the principle, Karen Gerhard, and Major.