June 17, 2010 - camping!

This picture just makes me laugh

Helping Daddy set up our new tent. Because Riley takes up so much space, we got a new, bigger tent this year that even Chad can stand up in.

Whoa! Walking on the air mattress is a fun challenge.

Playing in the dirt

Daddy made us cinnamon rolls in the dutch oven for breakfast

Then we had a little morning hike while Daddy finished his coffee

Digging in the dirt with a stick (if you haven't noticed, she loves the dirt)

Hiking is tough, time for a water break!

Mommy got off easy and just had to control the dog, I didn't have to carry anything!

Riley and Mommy at dog-friendly Lighthouse beach

Both kids love digging in the sand...

...and running...

...and running

Daddy polished the chrome on the truck, I can see myself!

After a tough day its nice to relax in the recliner with a drink

We had a front row seat to check out the steam during our steam train ride.

When we first started moving, she wasn't so sure.

But soon decided it was really fun!

It cracks me up that the little girls think they need to bend down to see the animals

We got to feed pigs, goats and cows at the Little Farm.

First camping trip of 2010! We went to Henry Cowell park in the Santa Cruz mountains this weekend. We had fantastic weather, it was hot during the day so we did shaded hikes then hit the beach. The water was cold and the breeze coming off the ocean felt great. It cooled off at night, just cool enough to enjoy sitting by the fire and snuggling under blankets in the tent.

Camping this year is vastly different from last year's trips. Last summer Riley was immobile so we could sit her on a blanket surrounded by toys while we set up the tent or relaxed. Not anymore! That baby loves to go go go! One of us had to constantly follow her around while the other set up camp or cooked. The only down time we had was when she fell asleep. Riley absolutely loved exploring the campsite, walking with sticks and playing in the dirt; watching her have so much fun made it even better for us. There were 2 little girls (ages 5 and 2) at the site next to ours and they came over to play and pet the dog, which both Riley and Seamus thought was just great. We truly appreciate family weekends like this and hope that Riley will grow to love the outdoors as we do.

Riley and I went to Tilden Park in Berkeley for the first time this week with some of our friends. We rode the steam train which is an open ride through some of the park. The conductors were so nice it was a very pleasant ride. Then we went to the Little Farm where we got to see some farm animals and feed the pigs, goat, sheep and cows. After lunch and running around the meadow, Riley took a long nap. Mommy's reward!