OurLittleMcFamily.com

The best way to dig out the root of a tree is by cutting off the branches first.
Unless you want the tree to fall on top of you!!!

Yay, for chainsaws!

Need I say anything??? Totally AMAZING!

We are so glad we took this side trip on our way home from vacation. We have wanted to visit Yosemite for years. Our day trip drive-thru confirmed that we must go back and explore this American Gem for our next family vacation! The little speck of a rock in between our heads below is Half Dome. It was much more majestic in person.

On the way home we thought we would take the long way (not on purpose–teehee). We ended up in the middle of Nowhere Cali/Nevada. We climbed some amazing passes and found some amazing views, but we were a bit worried about our gas and bathroom needs. The roads were pretty windy for a few hours, and we were all feeling a little queezy. The craziest part of the drive was when we came to a one-lane road on the windy pass. That’s how narrow and curvy the roads were.

Good thing I have such amiable children, and an adventurous husband. They kept my annoyance at bay. :)

My favorite childhood memories lay along Broadway Street and the Promenade, in Seaside. It is the best little beach town!

Bumper Cars and Tilt-o-Whirls:

The Arcade and Ice Cream Shops:

And we can’t forget Pig-n-Pancake:

The ninos started building their own little traditions and memories in the same little town, on the same little street. Mucho Joy!

While staying in Seaside, we took a day trip to Tillamook, OR for the “cheese tour.”

The drive had spectacular views:

There were cows and cheese aplenty:

And the ice cream was to die for:

Actually, Tillamook ice cream is my most favorite ice cream on the planet.
And the cheese is my family’s favorite–although I (the cheese hater) would know nothing about that.

Here’s the caravan of cars, bike racks and all, as we headed to Seaside, OR.
Our beach house was only steps from the water.

Adam and Papa Penning broke out the kites within an hour of arriving.

I think there was a total of 10 kites up at one time, all from our band of littles.
A great beginning to a great week at the beach.
FAMILY VACATION 2010

June 26th saw Dad and the kids heading to Mount Charleston for the Cathedral Rock Hike. This hike is located in the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest to the northwest of Las Vegas. Even though we climbed to over 8,500 feet, it was still in the 90′s here in lovely Southern Nevada. After the hike, we visited the Nature Center near the campground. Everyone survived the day, even Juan, who told me in the first 300 feet of walking that he wanted to be at home with mom. Too bad, kiddo! :)

Utah and Montana Road Trip…June 2010

most improved, reading… ezzy, nikki
most improved, math… danny
citizenship award… juan p.

They worked really hard all year. And I dare say it is starting to pay off.