Stewart Falls

My work computer died on Monday night. I thought about blogging about it, but it still is causing me such a headache (tomorrow I will have 3 computers at my mom's house after bringing one with me from California, and having 2 sent to me by the company), that I'm trying to forget it. But, because I had no computer, I had no work. So, I decided to take the Addison and Eric on a hike. I wanted to go to Stewart Falls. We used to go up all the time on a little shortcut path we knew. It's a pretty mellow hike if you go on that trail. I remembered something about not being able to go on that trail, but decided to try it anyway. When we got up to where I usually start, there was a big sign that said: "NO TRESPASSING: TRESPASSORS WILL BE PROSECUTED. EXTREMELY UNSTABLE AND DANGEROUS." Ok, ok... we'll do it the right way. We drove around to Aspen Grove and took the real trail. The last time I did that trail was in college with Brian Carol, one of the Kellers, and Ryan Radebaugh. I didn't remember it being too rough, but we were hiking it at midnight back then. I can't remember why. Anyway, it was a good little hike. The last 3/4 of a mile was pretty steep getting down to the falls, and of course, quite an incline going back up. These little boys were such troopers! Addison kept telling Eric that this hike was nothing compared to the hikes in California. I think he was just thinking about the hike we took when we first got there and Tom took us on a "Strenuous" level hike. Eric kept telling Addison (after I didn't have a Band-Aid for the scratch Addison got from a branch) that his mom always had Band-Aids, and his mom would let them rest even if they weren't at the top of the hill yet. And I totally believe it. Amy is always prepared. Anyway, it was a fun hike and the boys came home extremely dirty and (not that they would admit it) tired. I was thinking naps sounded good, but they thought swimming did. Good thing for adopted aunts who are willing to take them!

This picture really pretty much sums up how Eric was feeling on the way up. But, on the way back, when Addison asked him how he rated the hike, he said he gave it a 10. On a side note, I'm pretty sure these two have some sort of understanding of each other separate from the rest of the world because this is how that conversation went:

A - What number do you think this hike is?

E - 10.

A - I only think it's 6.

E - Why only 6?

A - Because of this (points somewhere down towards the ground).

E - Oh yeah. Me, too.

It took about 10 minutes for them to explain to me that Addison was asking Eric to rate the hike on a 1-10 scale, and that Addison only gave it a 6 because his feet were hurting.

So, I've realized that I consistently post some pretty bad pictures of myself. But, today as we were on the trail, I was taking a picture of the boys, and a woman and her husband came by. She asked if I wanted her to take a picture. I politely declined. Then she told me how when she looks back at the pictures she has of her children when they were young, it looks like they were raised solely by their father because she never included herself in any of the pictures. She said it seems like she was never there for any of the fun things. So, I let her take my picture, and post it here along with all of the other bad pictures of myself just to prove that I was there.

They're so cool.

Father's Day

Father's Day was spent in Utah at my mom's and Dean and Amy's. We went to church in mom's ward and then had dinner at Dean and Amy's. We had a really nice day spending time with family, playing games, eating (WAY too much), and relaxing.

This is a terrible picture of me, I know. But, Tom looks so handsome, I had to add it.

Again, me... not so great. Tom... hubba, hubba.

Otter Trot

The Big Sur Marathon International Marathon was in April. It is a really big deal here (and everywhere else for runners). They have a bunch of little races associated with the big race. Addison and I ran the Otter Trot. It was a 3K race along the Del Monte trail that runs along the coast in Monterey. It was lots of fun, and Addison was such a great sport! He ran most of the time and never complained. Maybe someday we can work up to the real thing!

Packing Stinks

I thought everyone felt the same way about this. Apparently I'm wrong. Every time over the last week when I have said, "I am so crazy busy right now. I have to pack for a month long vacation," I have expected to have offers of casseroles and Jell-O salad, babysitting, and prayers in my behalf because of my unfortunate circumstances... But, no. People say, "How fun! Where are you going?" No one seems to sympathize and I'm starting to wonder if this whole packing dilema is mine alone. Before I pack (and this is even if I'm just gone for the weekend), I have to:

• Clean everything. I'm talking scrubbed toilets, sparkling sinks, no leftover drips under the drawers in the refridgerator. What if something happens to me while I'm gone, and someone comes into my house and finds out that, sometimes, when the honey pecan syrup spills, I only clean up where it can be seen, and if you try to take a SlimFast can from the bottom shelf, you are going to have yourself a fight on your hands, because honey pecan syrup gives superglue a run for its money?


• Have all papers filed and bills paid - even if they're not due until after I get back. What if I can't get back for 2 extra weeks and my electric bill is due, and they shut off the power, and all of the food in the freezer melts and leaks? I haven't seen what kind of damage Firecracker Popsicles can do, but I bet it rivals the syrup.


• All laundry done. Not just the laundry that I am taking, but all laundry. This is why sometimes, at 3:00 in the morning, I am washing a load of 3 dishcloths, a swimming suit, 1 of Addison's socks, and a bra. In addition, all of the laundry must be put away before I start packing it. I get confused if I leave piles out thinking, "maybe I'll take this."


• Google maps to destination, hotel confirmations, google maps from destination, flight information, and interesting stops along the way printed and ready in a file folder.


• Lists. Lots of lists. I have a packing list that I keep on my computer detailing the clothing items I usually take for Addison and myself, all toiletries, entertainment, food items, etc. Then, I make lists of the bags that they will go in so that I can count and make sure that I grab all of the bags when I leave the house. This may be because I have, more than once, packed meticulously and, at a point too far into the trip, realized that my toiletry bag is sitting, well, on the toilet.

Now, remember... this is what happens before I pack. Once I've got all of that done, the fun starts. I need to be prepared for every situation and so I ridiculously overpack. For instance, I'm going to Utah during the months of June and July... but don't worry, I brought some sweaters just in case a freak cold front hits.

So, do you do this? After writing it all down, I really think I might have a problem. I wonder if there are packing phobia support groups. There have to be others like me.

The sad thing is, in the time that it takes to read this (probably less), Tom thought "hey, I need to pack," shoved everything into a bag smaller than the backpack Addison takes to school, started reading "The Sea, The Sea," and will have everything he needs.

Golfing at Marv and Carma's

This is from a while ago, but I just saw the pictures on my computer and decided to post them. Tom's aunt and uncle are always so sweet to Addison (and us too). In April, they had us over for dinner and Addison got to play on the new putting green that they just put in. They live in Pebble Beach and it's always fun to go out there. Marv gave Addison a San Francisco 49ers putter.

Space Rocket Derby

For Addison's last pack meeting, they had a Space Rocket derby. They were basically given 2 blocks of wood that they were supposed to glue together and turn it into a rocket. Good thing Tom's here or Addison would have shown up with two blocks of wood glued together with some stripes painted on with fingernail polish.

They sanded the wood into a rocket shape and Tom brought home some green spray paint to make it all green. I seriously would never have thought of spray paint. Then, they stuck the fins (is that what they're called?) on, and it was ready to fly.

Addison's rocket didn't win, but he had a blast anyway.

Sanding the rocket.

Blast off!!!

This Is What Falling Off The Wagon Looks Like...

Thanks to Hillary, I fell off the wagon this weekend. I was watching Brennen while she and Brian went to out. They went to everyone's favorite place... Hula's. She brought back fried plantains for me, and I couldn't resist... I ate them... all. Then I didn't stop. This is how it happened....

First, I decided to eat the plantains. I couldn't hurt Hilary's feelings right?

Then, I decided I had slipped off the wagon just enough to have 12 Guittard chocolate chips. Eighty calories can be made up for tomorrow...

But, that was so good, I needed to melt a few more to dip some strawberries in.

Now, I was completely off the wagon and decided that my favorite treat was in order. So, I had me some yogurt and honey.

As the wagon was pulling away, I remembered telling Tom last week when I bought some Dutch Crunch bread for he and Addison to eat, that when I was eating bread again this would be what I'd have first. I only ate half a piece, and it was well worth it.

Monday is a new day. The wagon's coming back for me (and you too, Ellen!).