A day like James Marshall

Living in the Golden State of California, we have many opportunities to visit historic sites. Since Jim was unable to find any gold at Lake Tahoe :( When I realized that we would be driving right by the actual spot where gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill, we couldn't resist stopping! It was worth it! We loved the California Golden Poppies too!

After a quick tour of the museum we were off to find our fortune along the banks of the American River just a few feet north of where James Marshall discovered gold in 1848! *Can you tell I'm a teacher??

I don't think we have any pictures of Jim and Riley where they are not diligently searching for gold.

The girls and I entertained ourselves while we waited for a turn with the gold pans. We waited and waited.... ;)

Looking upstream on the American River!

South Lake Tahoe- Day 2

On Day 2 we hiked to Vikingsholm Castle, which is really just a very cool house built by a super rich lady a long time ago. I had no idea why a family would give up this exclusive spot on Lake Tahoe located at the end of Emerald Cove. I would love to spend my summers living here for sure!!

It was a 1 mile hike down to the castle. There were many little waterfalls from the spring run-off on our way. I can never get enough of the fresh, clean, pine-smelling air!

We went on the Castle tour-- which made me want to live there even more! Each room has it's own bathroom and a great view of the lake.

It was built in 1929 and is styled after buildings in Scandinavia. Very cool indeed.

The 1 mile back UP to the car wasn't quite as fun as the walk DOWN. Funny that it never seems very steep when you walk down :)

Anyway, we made it. Marissa had thrown out her back the day before (you know-- pulling Andrea out of the sand they had buried themselves in and then rescuing a drowning ladybug!) But somehow she was able to make this hike with us. It was a great day!

I have NO idea why these pictures uploaded so weirdly on this post. But, I'm too lazy to figure it out. ;)

South Lake Tahoe- Day 1

We spent a lovely few days in SOUTH LAKE TAHOE! Our first day was spent at this lovely beach. Jim was just sure that he would find GOLD there..... (he didn't.)

Marissa and Andrea decided to live the short life. Where did their legs go??? Isn't Riley tall???

Dr. Thurman (our orthodontist) made his appearance on this beach :) Isn't Andrea cool?

The best part of vacation is all the great breakfasts that Jim cooks for us. Day 1 was fresh blueberry pancakes. Mmmm- Delish!!

Happy Birthday Ella!

Ella didn't really want to pose for a picture today. Since it is her birthday we didn't want to force her. She is 6 years old today. That's around 42 in human years!! She is a great dog. We all sure love her.... even when she chews up pinecones right in front of the door. (Sorry I yelled at you today for that!!)

Our ol' yeller dog is a good one :)

If you're wondering why Andrea is holding up a picture of her orthodontist.... it's because they are having a contest!! The prize is $100 at the mall and Andrea is determined to win it!! You can see all of her photos on Thurman Orthodontics on Facebook. I think Riley will be joining the competition soon too.

I hope to be a better blog writer soon.... vacation is just around the corner!! :D

Riley!

I was looking through some photos the other day. I came across this gem, which is perhaps my all-time favorite picture of Riley.

He is very serious, and safe, about his work!!! :)

Summer Schedule

I recently have acquired an addiction to Pinterest. It will surely keep me very entertained this summer. I hope to get better at posting on the blog, but if I don't then you'll be able to blame Pinterest.

I recently found this great summer schedule on Pinterest.... It's already printed and posted on my fridge. The kids were a little shocked today (Friday) when we didn't go anywhere special. I had to remind them that I actually had to work this morning-- so summer doesn't officially begin until Monday!!

Anyway.... I'm looking forward to my summer schedule. Maybe I'll get something done!! Happy SCHOOL's OUT for all of you whenever it may arrive. After teaching a combo, I am incredibly ready for some R & R.

Our last little 8th grader...

Dude. This girl had the absolute cutest shoes in the whole place. Strangers even came up to compliment her and ask where she got them.

A rose between two thorns.... aka a baby sister between her two older brothers.

The lovely graduate with the girl she said will be SO FAMOUS someday. She can sing like no other.

Andrea and some pretty cute boys that she's gone to school with for a really long time.

Ice-cream for dessert at Dewars'..... YUMMERS! And yes, aren't brothers the best??

AnDrEa!!

We are so proud of you. You are a remarkable young woman! You are super smart, super gorgeous, and super awesome. We know that you will just go on to be even more awesome in High School. Congratulations on your graduation from 8th Grade :D