Convict Lake

July 23, 2016

We went to Convict Lake this weekend to camp and visit with the Draguesku Family, and attend a memorial for Brandon's uncle Jack. Grandpa Mike had 8 brothers and sisters, and Uncle Jack was the oldest of the family.  Grandpa Mike and Uncle Jack lived together throughout their lives, most recently in Texas for the last few years. Convict Lake was one of Jack's favorite places, and Brandon was fortunate enough to camp with Uncle Jack at Convict Lake when he was growing up.  Cousin Blake spread Jack's ashes under a big tree at the shoreline. It was a beautiful way to say goodbye. You will be very missed, Uncle Jack!

It was great to have all the aunts and uncles together for the memorial. This was the first time Owen got to meet the whole Draguesku family.

All the siblings- Carol, Tony, Susan, Jimmy, Joanne, Mike, Jeanie, MaryAnne

The weather was beautiful and we had a great time hiking and fishing with the family. This was Owen's third camping trip before this 3 month birthday. He has now spent a total of a week in the Eastern Sierras.

Baby on board fishing

Owen's First Trip to the Owens

July 8, 2016

We left San Clemente around 5am and drove to the Upper Owen's River outside of Mammoth Lakes. This is one of our favorite places on Earth, and we named Owen after the valley. It was such a special trip for us to share the Owen's with Owen, and to spend time with some of our close friends.  We've been coming up to Mammoth every summer with our friend Blake for the last 4 years, and this year we were joined by the Davidson's, Mike and Chanell, Kevin, and Brice.

We camped at the end of a dirt road off Owen's River Road on U.S. Forest Service property.  We've become masters at "dispersed" camping, which is camping off the grid and away from campgrounds on federal land. It's legal in many areas of BLM and Forest Service land, you just have to know the rules and know where to look. This campsite was nestled in a valley between two mountain ranges.  We saw about 5 fisherman and 1 vehicle during the entire 4 day weekend. It was the perfect spot to get away and soak in the view. I think it might be the best view Owen will ever have during his bathtime.

The Upper Owen's River was about 200 yards from our campsite, and it was perfect for fishing, swimming and playing with the dogs. The water was about 64 degrees. We thought it was really warm for swimming compared to the icy lakes nearby, but Owen was still not impressed when we took him for a dip.

We rode motorcycles and had a blast. Unfortunately, I ran over barbed wire that was sitting along the side of the road from the ongoing ranching operations in the valley.  Brandon and Blake were able the cut through the wire, piece by piece, with very minimal damage to the bike.  We were very lucky! The riding trails around mammoth are spectacular, and we had a great time. The boys did a 50 mile loop on Sunday through the Mono Craters.

We drove up Rock Creek and parked at the Mosquito Flat Trailhead one afternoon. We hiked up the Little Lakes Valley and hung out for an afternoon of fishing. The views were amazing, and Owen had a great nap in pines with Brandon.

Happy 4th of July

July 4, 2016

We had a great 3 day weekend at Trestles for the Fourth of July.  Uncle E made it home for the holiday just in time after 2 weeks of traveling for work. Mike V and the boys got a great spot between Middles and Lowers set up for us in the morning, and we had a great time all day with friends and family. Blake and his puppy Che came and had a great time hanging out and surfing fun waves. We dipped Owen's feet in the warm water and he really liked splashing around in the shallows.

One of the girls at the beach lost a wedding ring, and we couldn't find it even with 15 people looking. For Chanell's birthday a few weeks ago, our friend group all pitched in and had bought her a metal detector. Chanell was very excited about the gift, but her boyfriend Mike was embarrassed at how "kooky" his girlfriend would look so he hid it in their house. We all thought it was so funny.  The metal detector came to mind when the wedding ring was lost, so Eric and Chanell went home and found the detector hidden away in a closet.  Multiple people used the detector, but the ring was still lost in the sand and boulders.  Before it was put away, Grandpa Mehlberg asked to give it one last try and he found the ring in about 5 minutes. He was the hero of the day!

                                                                                                                                                                      

We had a great time at Mike and Chanell's BBQ after the long day at the beach. We watched the fireworks from their patio above Uncle E and Aunt Tine's house.

Happy Father's Day!

July 19, 2016

Owen had a great time on his first father's day! We went for a swim at State Park in the morning, a walk with Reef in the afternoon, and had a BBQ at the house in the evening. We feel so lucky to have such a great dad! Owen had a "Daddy & Son Construction Co." onesie on because Brandon loved to play with tractors as a little boy.

2 Months!

June 25, 2016

Owen's 2 month birthday! He loves his black and white zebra toy, bath time, and going for walks in the jogger.  He's 11 lbs 2 oz. and 22.75 inches tall. He's in the 10th percentile for weight, and 25th percentile for height. He's learning to coo, smile and how to turn his head from one side to the other while on his tummy. He wakes up around 2am at night, and again around 6:30am. He's a great napper, and loves being held by friends and family.

First Swim!

June 23, 2016

Owen went swimming for the first time just before his 2 month birthday. We swam with Kalli and Mac at their community pool in Presidential Heights. Owen loved the water and he floated really well.  It was a total success!

The next day we went for a swim in Grandma and Grandpa Mellberg's spa. We turned the heater down so the water wasn't too warm. The spa was perfect for a quick dip, and Owen loved it again. He's a fish!