Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Stoke-O-Rama


October 8, 2017

Every year, our friends the Gudauskas Brothers put on a free surfing contest for kids under 12. They raise money through sponsors to donate to the Friends of San Clemente to help kids water safety programs, like Jr. Lifeguards.  It is such a neat event. Kids under 8 are in the "Pops and Pups" division, and can have their parents in the water with them. It's a day dedicated to letting the kids have fun. Parents wait in line at 4am to get their kids a spot in the event. The G-Boys are so great to do this for our community! Maybe Owen will be a contestant one day?

The waves were huge this year. Some of the kids made it out into the line up, while most of the others rode the whitewash. It was really neat to watch. Owen was a little overwhelmed by all the people and loud music, but he had fun nonetheless. We had to watch him like a hawk because he kept running into the shore break with big waves!



San Diego Zoo, Safari Park

October 1, 2017

We got a family pass to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, and Owen loves it! It takes us about 50 minutes to drive to the Safari Park, and we usually spend a few hours there before Owen's afternoon nap and it gets too crowded. Every time we go, Owen says "Ann Malls!" the whole drive there and back.

He really loves it and it's a great way to spend a morning. Owen now knows the names of most animals, including condors! He was really stoked when he saw a picture of his mom holding a condor at work.


This lion came right up to the glass and said hi to Owen








Owen was really really stoked on watching this hot air balloon.  

Petting zoo!










Sunday, November 19, 2017

Mom's work

Fall 2017

Here are a few photos from Moms's work this season.

Trapping the endangered Pacific Pocket Mouse on Dana Point Headlands

Woodrat


Inland Oil Spill training on the American River in Sacramento



Hazwopper Certification



Workin on Uncle E and Aunt Tine's house

September 9, 2017

Uncle Eric and Aunt Christine bought a house 3 streets away from us! We are so stoked. I don't think Grandma Mehlberg could ever imagine we would all live a few blocks away from each other. What a special thing. We are so stoked that our kids and dogs will be so close to family and friends.

Their new house needs a lot of work, and Owen has been stoked to help out with some power tools!



Burrito breaks

Workin with the boys




Bridgeport Part 2

September 2, 2017

Wait for me, Kev!

Owen likes the shot

Hangin with Chanell

Mike teaching Owen how to get a fire started

Owen always seems to find Kev's kitchen crate, and loves to steal his coffee

Chanell, in her element

The boys, catchin more fish for Owen to meet

Catch, teach, and repeat. Uncle Mike doing what he does best
Owen has officially grown out of the sink bath in the camper

On the way home, we stopped at the "honey hole" at Rock Creek so mom could catch a few more trout.

Owen, checkin in all out

Owen was obsessed with this mountain, and kept saying "mount!" when it came into view




Bridgeport Part 1

September 2, 2017

Over Labor Day weekend, we asked Mike to take us to Bridgeport because we've heard it's amazing. We met Mike, Chanell and Kevin at their favorite camp site on Green Creek, just past Virginia Lakes. Wow. What a treat. We camped along a little bend in the creek, with little fish and great vibes. We felt very lucky to share the weekend with great friends in a beautiful place. We explored the Walker River and had ice cream in Bridgeport. What could be better?

Owen was going through a developmental change, as far as we could tell, and was extra cranky and clingy throughout the trip. It was tough on us, but there were some really amazing moments that made it all worthwhile. We are very thankful for patient friends!

 Owen woke up as we passed through Mammoth, so we made a mandatory breakfast stop

 Awesome camp spot on a bend in the creek. Perfect for little trout and swimming!

Mike made Owen his first fishing pole, complete with an indicator and a hookless fly. So cute!

Mike and Kevin caught lots of fish for Owen to see


 Campsite vibes

 Day excursion to fish the Walker River

Think he's teething?



Beautiful place to explore





Saturday, November 18, 2017

Kennedy Meadows Part 2

August 25, 2017

More photos, especially from the creek, during our trip to Kennedy Meadows.

The second we stop near water, Owen has to get in. Immediately.





Cold!

Somehow, Owen always ends up skinny dipping!



We found this secret little swimming hole off the trail. So fun!