Disneyland for the Holidays 2009

We again went to enjoy Disneyland this Friday night and found ourselves enjoying the evening. First we had a BIG late lunch at Chilis. Then we headed over to the park. It didn't seem like that many people were there based in the parking lot and that it has been the first time that we didn't see the electric sign saying "Disneyland is Busy" blinking.

We liked to reminisce how last year we tooka similar picture in front of this tree and we were just dating. Now being married, we are really happy for what this next holiday season will bring.

Erin found a butt warmer to sit on while we were waiting for the parade. She got tired of people running of her toes with strollers.... WAY TOO MANY TIMES!

For some reason there was a MASSIVE crowd funneling through just to get to the Small World line. Eventually we got on the ride and enjoyed the seasonal dolls singing the same song over and over and over.

Erin found a wanted sign to take pictures at and we tried SO many times to try and get the right angle.

Family Bday Party

This year we have tried something new with family b-days. Instead having a monthly get together, usually at Grandma's house, the moms chose to have super quarterly bday parties. My mom was in charge this time and wanted everyone to have a little fun in the process. Last Sunday, she got a toy for us to play with as everyone got together at our house. If only it wasn't windy and cold we would have beaten each other up all day.

Erin is fighting a little out of her weight class.

But she doesn't give up.

It's called: "Marriage Counseling"

I have to let her wind up to get a good hit.

Brian turned 24 in October.

Eric will be turning 41 I think?????

Grandma turned a little older :)

Tabitha turned 14.

Zach doing Zach things.....

More "Marriage Counseling" for Richelle and Charlie

Young Women Sailing Trip

For Veteran's Day, my dad asked my brother and I to help take some of the young women in his ward sailing. Bro and I always like going on sailiing adventures because people always think we know how to sail, when we really we just look over at Dad and see what he is doing and try to copy.

Teenagers these days have to play every song on your ipod without finishing one.

There wasn't much wind for most of the day. BUT we did get a few minutes of some good stuff and scared the girls and their leader on our boat. We were just chatting and then all of the sudden some good wind came along we weren't really expecting. We started to lean (roll) pretty good and the leader, she won't be named, almost jumped up from low side to high side. From then on we weren't allowed to lean (roll) as much, event though that's what you do....

A special treat was a large number of dolphins that came into the bay.

Of course, we had to get some food after skipping lunch to avoid people getting seasick. Chalk another trip, our third, for my brother and I at sailing. Not body hurt, lost at sea, and broken boat unlike trips in the past.

Dad's way of having fun: Getting Hurt

Dad always likes to play around every once a while. A while ago it was 6,12,24 hour dirt bike races. Luckily they have eased up and now are getting into 12 hours of mountain bike racing in the hills of Temecula. 

Dad came in after his second turn on the course. While he was out, it got dark. He didn't take a helmet light, only relying on a handlebar mounted light. Turns out he crashed five times but still had a blast. Oh and the bike is okay, we think.

Its hard for the old man to smile after five crashes and knowing that he probably has to see his doctor for his bruises.......

Luckily a daughter in law can always make him smile.

Turns out Dad wasn't the only one. Eric came in finishing the race and turns out he had a little crash too. Somehow his crash left his bike computer at the top of a hill. Luckily it was face up and on so he could see it. 

We hung out for a little bit. Aunt Jamie made some delicious chili and Erin had a good time with her and Tabitha. It got REALLY cold so we bailed before the awards ceremony as the tribute band was "rocking out" to Sublime and Michael Jackson.

Joshua Tree #5

This year marked the fifth annual Joshua Tree trip. Some of the people were the same as in years past with also some new ones. Can you tell what was different about the group this year compared to previous years?

As always, I don't set up tents. Erin and Katie managed to get the "beast" up by the time dinner was ready.

I forgot a few essentials this year so I had to improvise. The only question is, what use would tin foil have with a wooden spoon?

It actually worked pretty well except for the spoon was half ash by the time dinner was done.

Natalie was passed around quite a bit, but always would cry her way back to mom.

We were supposed to save some dinner for the second wave of the group. We couldn't hold back. Montreal Steak seasoning was just too good to resist.

I have tried horse shoes in the past, but this year we played ALL the time with rules that Ryan "made".

Tummy Time

A kangaroo mouse FREAKED out Katie. She was jumping from rock to rock like trying to avoid a tremor (Graboid for you enthusiasts).

I will probably get in trouble for this one :)

(Photo was deleted due to Kevin's a nerd)

Chelsea following after the example of her husband, Nathan, and coming to a camping trip with rolling luggage. She wouldn't roll it in the dirt though.

Our first camping expereince.

My bad. I told him I couldn't throw, but Ryan still wanted to play.

Natalie could never seem to get enough to munch on.

A Joshua Tree first and LAST.

There is something upside down in the picture. Do you see it?

The Loera's leaving a little before eveyone else. They have the "baby excuse"

All in all it was a good trip. Not as much climbing and hiking as in the past, but a very good time with all the friends that showed up.