Laying Bricks with Dad

August 27, 2016

Brandon restored the driveway planter box this afternoon, and Owen wanted to help. Owen helped hold the level to make sure Dad's work was up to par (it always is!).
I asked Brandon how he knew how to cut and lay bricks, and where he got all the tools, and he said it was from working with his late Uncle Kenny. Brandon laid the bricks in the front patio of Grandma Eloise's house with Uncle Kenny when he was 5 years old. It was fitting that Brandon drove Uncle Kenny's old masonry truck to pick up our bricks from Lowes.
I asked Brandon, "you remembered how to lay bricks after all those years?" "Of course!" he said. "Wouldn't you?"

Reef, the project foreman

M+C Bachelor/ette Party, Mammoth Lakes

August 12-14, 2016

We were fortunate enough to get invited to Mike and Chanell's bachelor/ette party in Mammoth Lakes. We stayed in their friend's amazing slope-side mansion near Eagle Lodge. It was such an incredible house, location, and group of friends. We had an amazing time.  Everyone helped out so much with Owen, holding him so we could get packed up and ready for hiking and fishing trips, or just helping us get set up with a cup of coffee in the morning.  Grandma and Grandpa Mellberg even drove up and spent the weekend in town so they could watch Owen overnight one evening! We had a great time with friends and family, and can't wait to go back!

Morning playtime with Lisa and Chanell

Ian was a baby whisperer! Owen loved snuggling with Ian in the morning.

The house was amazing! The dogs watched deer next to the deck in the morning.

Our evening games of dominos "chicki-foot". It always gets intense!

We hiked up our favorite Little Lakes Valley in Rock Creek, and spent the day at the third lake.  The water was a little cold for Owen, but we had a blast relaxing on the shore and watching everyone swim and fish.  

A beautiful day in the mountains!

Christmas card?

Hiking in with Dad and Reef!

Owen loves his hiking pack!

We spent the next day fishing, swimming and rock jumping at Lake George. This was a new lake for us to explore, and we had a great time. Eric and Clint rented boats, and shuttled the group to the far side of the lake. We had a great spot and the group was stoked. Owen had fun putting his feet in the water and feeling the pebbles between his toes.

What a cutie!

Technically, you aren't allowed to swim in Lake George. The boat rental guy said we wouldn't
have a problem on the far side of the lake, so of course we all got wet. We did the rock jump together;
it felt higher than it looked!

Great day on the water!

Hanging with Uncle E and Blake

Toes in the water and happy!

 It's tiring being so cute!

Special thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Mellberg for watching Owen so we could have our first night away! 

Tire Change with Dad

August 9, 2016

Owen, learning the ropes with Dad!

Summer Beach Days

Summer 2016

Owen loves the beach! We have been taking him since his first few weeks, and every times we go, he seems to find a new fascination.  Lately, he has loved putting his feet in the wet sand, and feeling the all the textures between his toes. The water has been warm this summer, and he loves going for a dip!

We have two methods of getting down to the beach: the hiking backpack and the stroller. We try to pack light, but man, kids have so much gear! Getting the stroller up and over the steps at Trestles is tough, but we have it down to a science. Owen better remember this and give us waves when he's older!

Hiking backpack from Grandma Annette 

In the stroller heading down to Trestles

Our typical set up

Hanging with Aunt Christine

Owen, sleeping with world class waves breaking behind him.

Brandon surfing on the wave behind Owen.

Morning swim at Riviera before work!

Toes in the sand!

Swim time at Riviera