Camping Out

In preparation for our upcoming camping trips this summer, we decided to try a scenario in the backyard since Mason and Koinu haven't been before. So on Saturday we set up the tent, picked up some supplies, and away we went. Mason had a great time, Koi really did not know what was going on, and didn't care. She was a hand full in the tent though, she kept crawling into our bed throughout the night. We made smores and told some stories, and turned my little barbecue into a camp fire. Here are the pics.

Mason and Auburn Fire Dept

On our way to Coloma the other week with Dad and Shirla, we stopped in Old Auburn for lunch. I had to park at the top of a hill, and right in front of me was the fire department. They just came back from a call, and were working on their engine, but invited us over to take a look. They were the nicest guys, they offered to let Mason sit in the cabin and honk the horn (Mason declined as to shyness), and they even gave him a child's fire helmet. Mason did sit on the side of the engine and pose for a few pictures though.

Sacramento Zoo

We took Mason to the zoo today since we had such nice weather. It was quite fun! But I had to parallel park at the zoo so that caused some frustration for Allen! Oh well! Mason had a great time. Next time we will call up our friends the Quicks - since they are so close maybe we can go together! Here is the link to the rest of the pictures - http://picasaweb.google.com/cloud7ar/SacramentoZoo

Our Day with Thomas the Tank Engine

He rode on Thomas today. Thanks to Nana and Papa for the tickets! We saw Sir Topham Hat, played with trains, got a Gordon stamp, had snow cones, rode on little train go carts.......... Mason fell asleep on the way home. It was a nice day! See the pics here - http://picasaweb.google.com/cloud7ar/DayWithThomasTheTankEngine

Happy Mothers Day!

Tracie had a really nice mothers Day with Mason and me. See her pretty necklace? She was thrilled! We had breakfast and went to the park in the evening for a nice picnic. It was a special day for her and her "boys". See more pics here - http://picasaweb.google.com/cloud7ar/MothersDay2008

A man and his SledgeHammer

Ok, so I have had a leak for the past couple months, but haven't gotten around to fixing it. It was ok during the rainy season because the water running down my sidewalk and along the gutter was hidden in with the rain run off. But since it is no longer rain season, and we will not see any rain until November, I could no longer ignore it.

So, Papa brought over the sledge hammer for me and gave me a quick demo on how to use it. Pretty simple: hold hammer, swing hammer over head, bring down the wrath of hammer to concrete. After a few whacks, the cement gives way. I had a company come out and verify for me where the leak was, I knew it was there but I didn't "want" it to be there. You get me? I didn't want to dig up the darn cement. Grrrr.

So anyway, I got the leak patched up, and no water is running down the sidewalk now. I uploaded a few pictures of the process to the Yard Work album. Enjoy.

Mason's 3rd Birthday

We had Mason's 3rd Birthday Party this weekend! He had a great time. He was very excited to be the birthday boy and show us his three fingers.










Mason got a John Deere tractor from Grandma Donna! It is awesome. He loves to ride it all over the yard. Thanks Grandma Donna!

Ever since Mason turned one he has covered his ears when we sing Happy Birthday! He likes it but says we are too loud!











Here is Mason's new swingset! It took Papa, Grandpa Pat and Daddy a day and a half to build it! But it was worth it! Mason thinks it's the bestest and very awesome.










He loves to swing like Superman! And the swing will even hold Mommy up! We are going to have a really fun summer!