6.30.2011

big sur 2011

My extended family decided to turn back to our roots: we went camping at Pfeiffer Big Sur!! We used to go camping at Pfeiffer every summer, up until not that long ago. Then, as it became harder to make reservations there, we sort of switched to other camping locations. We hit up Wawona, another one of our stomping grounds from the past, and Dinkey Creek. But I was so excited to go back to Big Sur. I'm not usually cheesy like this, but Big Sur might be my favorite place on earth. Oh, and light blue and red are my favorite colors (together), but i digress.
Big Sur had a huge fire go through it a few years ago and we hadn't been since. We got the river spots in the very back of the camp, and there wasn't much apparent damage back there. The campground was as awesome as ever.
First day was spent at the river. Luckily, the river was great right at our campsite. Of course Mark had to shimmy up this impossible tree to make a rope swing. Trav got sucked into helping him and before you knew it, Mark was 20 feet in the air and Trav was hauling logs across the river. Megan and I just rolled our eyes and ate more chex mix.
Finally, after a failed "swingy stick", they made a successful rope swing that was fun for all the kids. Ok, I got on it too. Clark was the most brave and swung upside down with his hair skimming the water. I think Sophie swung upside down too!
One of the best times we had was an impromptu softball game. The actual field was being used, so we ran over to the field behind the back store and played a couple innings. Mirabelle was a little slugger! Not only did she legitimately hit the ball, she got on base and then was able to score! And no one was playing nice, let me tell you!
The big question after the fire damage was the gorge. We heard it was filled in, not accessible, etc. But it was great! A big group of us hiked up there, even Merrick! There was way more debris to hike through and around and definitely more sandy area at the gorge, but it was still awesome! Even though, Megan, Trav, and I were taking care of our youngest, we all got to jump in. And, true to gorge form, we did see an old dude with a thong. not on his foot, if you get what i'm saying. gross.
We had such a great time, Lucie loved all her cousins, and I can't wait for next summer to go again! Don't we have to make reservations soon?

Trav and Lu at the river:

Sophie and Mira:

Joel and Merrick:

Mark and his boy (Mark is the only one who'd wear a polo shirt camping!):

Me and Lu:

Mark and Trav and the beginning of swinggy stick:

May on swinggy stick:


Mira taking the first rope swing ride:

Clark taking a dip:

Mark being crazy (in Oliver's shorts! Yes, they fit. And no, I won't comment anymore on Mark's clothes!)




Half the fun of camping is eating junk food!

Hey batta' batta':



Grandpa and Merrick:

The albino redwood tree. It's still staying strong! barely.



Our climber:

The group on the way to the gorge:

Still "gorge"ous!


Krista and Joel were in charge of all these kids. Oy!


Me and Lu. She LOVED the water. good girl.


4.19.2011

Meet Merrick!!

The Smiths welcomed their newest member this Tuesday, Merrick Klein Smith! He is a little blond fuzz ball! He came in at a whopping 8 lbs, 8 ozs. His sisters were thrilled (well, May was) to finally meet him! Mira came to quickly and now likes holding him (and kind of trying to carry him). Welcome baby BOY!!

Mark serenading his little boy:

Mira practicing holding Merrick:
GrandMa, Mirabelle, Megan, and Merrick:
May loving her new brother:

4.18.2011

new fun with old toys

Frequently, Lucie doesn't seem too interested in the toys we buy her. Of course. So, I am thrilled when she picks up interest in a toy. Lately, she's really in to pushing things. She pushes the trucks around at the park and now is interested in any toys with wheels. My mom bought this cute soft rolly blue giraffe months ago. Lucie now loves pushing it around! Whee!


Mohawk!!


Lucie love the bath. It's hard not to take pictures of her every time, since she's so cute. Especially with a mohawk!




4.12.2011

Snow day

We finally made it to the snow. Our friends, Rod and Sarah have an AMAZING house on the lake. We try to meet them up there every time we can. Since Lucie hadn't seen the snow yet, not to mention that Trav hadn't been snow boarding this season, we had to go. I got a hand-me-down snow suit for Lucie, so we were ready for anything!

Lucie meeting Dad at the slopes:

Stopping mid-day for beers and snacks. Lucie hangin with the guys:
Rod and Sarah's daughter, Kiera, had fun pulling Lucie around on the sled. Lucie was hilarious: she kept her arms out stiff the entire time. Or maybe she just couldn't move them.

Lucie and Cora in their snow fort:
Last day at the slopes with Sarah and Kiera: