A Mammoth Trip

This past week Heather and I were able to go up to Mammoth on a camping trip with a bunch of teachers from Heathers school. It was a much needed break from the routine and we had a blast. We spent our days hiking, biking and just relaxing. I was able to take the gondola to the top of the ski resort and ride downhill on my mountain bike all day on Friday. It was one of the most amazing things that I have ever done (jumping over stumps and rocks while doing 30 mph downhill is quite the rush). Anyway, I apologize in advance for all the pictures, but it is about the only way I can describe it and even then it doesn't do it justice. Enjoy...

This is on the drive up... We stopped in the little town of Lone Pine to grab a bite to eat at McDonalds and after we left and were a little ways down the road, Heather realized that she had left her purse in the booth. I immediately turned around to try and get back as soon as possible. When we got there the manager recognized Heather right away and got the purse from behind the counter. He had called her Dad, who lives in Oregon, on her phone, who in turn called her brother, who lives in Washington, to call my phone. the whole ordeal was not fun at the time but we can all laugh at it now.

This is from the first hike we took- TJ Lake

Me cooling off my feet in the "Crisp" water. The weather was in the low 70's the whole time and down into the 40's at night so you can imagine what the water was like. It did feel real good though.

This is a large fault line that you can actually see- There was still snow at the bottom!

Me inside a hollowed out tree

This was the view from the bottom after I hiked down in there. There were two caves that had to have been inhabited by some sort of large animal at one time or another.


This was the view on our way up to Crystal Lake. At this one point you could actually see five different lakes all at one time.


The view looking over "Ansel Adams Country". The picture doesn't do it justice- the mountain across the way was an incredible mix of reds, greens, and grays- it looked like a painting


Another view from along the way- I couldn't stop taking pictures it was so amazing


One more of a peak

We had such a good time that we are already planning on going back next year. If you haven't been here I would definitely suggest you plan a trip sometime soon.

Our Weekend

Friday evening Dan and I went to a wedding in Corona. My friend Amanda and I have been friends since high school and she got married to her high school sweetheart. The ceremony was beautiful and she looked STUNNING! The best part was her nephew going down the aisle in a remote control sports car. I am so happy for her and Jason and we wish them all the best!

It is hard to see, but this is her nephew going down the aisle!

Amanda and her dad.

The BEAUTIFUL bride and I!

On Saturday, my mom had a huge barbeque for the Special Forces division (that my stepdad is a member of) at her house. My stepdad wasn't there, but we all wished he could have been. His son Dale, and his wife Tina came and brought their daughter Kyra. We took some pics especially for Papa Bruce. We miss you!

Kyra with the American flag...

My mom, Kyra and I! We miss you and love you Papa!

Sunday we went to mom's house for dinner. We are headed to Mammoth on Tuesday for 6 days of hiking, biking, running, and hanging out with friends. We can't wait!

Another Year...

I ran across this picture the other day, it is a pic from my first year of teaching. I know it hasn't been that long, but a month from now I will be starting my third year as a first grade teacher. I couldn't be happier with my career, I love what I do and I love my little students. They always bring a smile to my face, even when I'm having a bad day. I am truly blessed to be a teacher and to be touched by so many students each year. Someone told me recently that if you love what you are doing you will never work a day in your life. I absolutely LOVE what I am doing, and I can't wait to start my THIRD year!