Hiking in Yosemite

Saturday a group of us from church went hiking in Yosemite up to Vernal Falls. The day was beautiful and I have never been up there when the falls were so full. However, Misty trails was more like a rain storm. We knew we were in trouble when everyone started putting on their ponchos and we did not have one. We all got wet, but it was well worth it. I was very proud of Brandon. He hiked the whole way carrying his own pack and never complained. Daryn and Michael did not get to go because at the last minute they scheduled Allstar tryouts for Saturday. It was worth it. Michael made Allstars.

The kids are at the beginning of the trailhead for Vernal Falls.

Brandon, Wyatt, Kaleb, Joshua and Makenna.

Kaleb, Brandon, Wyatt and Emily


We reached the bridge and everyone wanted a little snack. The teenagers

hung out waiting for us old folks. Joe, Emily, Sean and his girlfriend.

This is Kaleb, Wyatt and Brandon getting wet from the falls. I did

not take my camera out most of the time because I did not want it ruined.

Emily and Brandon hiking.

Brandon and Emily. This was Brandon's hiking bud. He stayed

with her almost the entire time - no matter how fast she went.

He wanted to share lunch with her, sit next to her and just hang out.

He at least has good taste in his women.

We all made it to the top of Vernal Falls. This is the view looking down.

Brandon, Wyatt and Kaleb. You can see that the water is really

moving in the background.

Brandon and mommy.

This is the group of all the little kids that went with us.

We have Joshua and Makenna Avakian, Scott, Craig, Grant,

Grace and Grady McCoy, Joshua and Elijia Debay,

Brandon Sassano, and Kaleb and Wyatt Roth.

Hearst Castle Fieldtrip

On Thursday at 6:15 a.m., I got to go on a field trip with Michael to Hearst Castle. The kids rode on the bus with three to a seat. The moms rode together in the SUV and stopped at Starbucks. We arrived at Hearst Castle around 10:00 a.m. The kids got to eat lunch, shop and watch a movie about Mr. Hearst. Afterwards we all loaded up the bus and headed up to take the tour. The house is beautiful and the pools are amazing. Our guide made me a little nervous. One of the first things she asked was if all the kids knew what the word nudity meant. Michael of course raised his hand and said no. So the kids made sure he understood that it meant the same thing as naked or no clothes. The guide then discussed Greek mythology, pointed out all the nude statues and discussed how the men wrestled in the nude. There were definitely a few giggles. Good thing the kids didn't put much thought into the different stories. I guess the school's tour needs to be related to a curriculum standard and the 6th graders study Greek mythology. All in all it was a great day and I had a fun time hanging out with my boy.

Michael hanging out in the amazing gardens that surround Hearst Castle

Michael, Triston, Makenna and Craig posing by the outside pool. They were just getting ready to hear the nudity speech.

What an amazing pool. You can invite just a few friends over.

We have almost completed the tour of the outdoor pool and gardens.

It is time to go inside the beautiful Hearst Castle.

This statue at least has clothes.

Makenna, Sydney, Michael, Taylor and Kylie

Brandon's 8th Birthday

Brandon celebrated his 8th birthday on March 28th. He invited a few friends to go miniature golfing at Boomers and then to pizza at the Pizza Factory. Brandon had a really great time. He even got a hole in one on his first try.

Brandon blowing out the candles!

Brandon and all of his friends after miniature golf was over.

Brandon concentraing on getting another hole in one.

Our Life During March and April

During the months of April and May, our lives consists of baseball. We have baseball anywhere from four to five days a week. Michael loves baseball and is having a great season. His team is currently in first place. He steals home almost everytime he gets on base. This season he plays second base. However, sometimes he does play shortstop or pitcher.

Michael excited tht he just stole home base. He is getting very good at stealing!!

This is Michael playing second base..

Michael just hit a double and he was happy . .

Brandon is enjoying baseball and growing as a player every week. His coaches have allowed him to learn different positions. He even got to pitch once this year. He has decided that he really does like baseball. Brandon's team is also in first place.

Brandon is ready to catch the ball.

Brandon got to pitch a little during one game and he really loved it!!