We’ve been having a blast the last several weekends exploring different parts of our desert. Weekend before last we went to Mule Canyon, near Calico Ghost Town. We had a great time exploring the rainbow colored mountains.

For Memorial Day weekend we decided to go camping at Opal Mountain. Trip got off to a rough start as we realized my directions were not very clear, and we had no cell service so couldn’t pull up Google Earth. We continued on however, and found a nice spot to camp next to a canyon, that at one point long ago had a raging river running through it.

Aside from the fact that it was incredibly windy on Saturday, and realizing we’d setup camp next to a bee hive (with quite a swarm of bees)… we settled in and began exploring. We found lots of interesting rocks and possibly some opal. We took several hikes, at one point hiking up to an ancient waterfall (of course dry now). I photographed what I believe to be old petroglyphs from when the Indians lived in these parts.

Listening to the coyotes at night was a bit un-nerving – but the kids luckily slept like logs. We did encounter the tarantula wasp — which apparently has one of the worst stings… but luckily we avoiding finding out just how bad they are.

We enjoyed hiking the canyons and are looking forward to to the next time we get to go out. Check out the pictures here.

We spent this past weekend out in the desert both days, taking day trips out to Ord Mountain Saturday and then Sunday we went to Pisgah Crater and then to the Cady Mountains and Broadwell Dry Lake near Ludlow.

Kids had an amazing time walking around the volcano. We made our way all the way up, and inside the crater. Even found a lava tube that we all were able to crawl down into. Kids collected some really neat lava specimens to bring home to add to their rock collections.

We found lizards, birds and rabbits along our journey, which always gets the kids excited.

I added a few new pics to the gallery today, be sure to check them out.

Keeping up with this blog has proven alot more difficult than I had hoped. Life is busy with 4 kids!! Summer is finally coming to an end (nice to get temperatures under 100 finally), the weather is starting to turn (nights in the 30’s already).  The kids are really enjoying school so far. Damian was accepted into the GATE program (gifted and talented) a few weeks ago – and is now in Chess Club.  Kadence received a Scholar award, so she tells me she is the smartest 1st grader in the world!

We recently drove up to Madera for Rob’s grandmother’s memorial. We got to see Grandma Jennifer and Grandpa Doug – and got to see Rob’s brother Michael (been 6 years since we saw him). Finally got to meet Rob’s Uncle Lee as well… it was a bittersweet reunion.

Rob has been teaching the kids to fish… which is hilarious to watch. They really enjoy their time with their dad, and the thrill of reeling up a fish (though they don’t enjoy the taste).

Kids were off school this last week for their Fall Break. We mostly hung around the house, but did go to Long Beach yesterday to the Aquarium of the Pacific. They had such a good time seeing all the fish, sharks and other sea creatures. Hoping to go back again soon.

That’s it for now… until next time.

Well – got my test results back today – and I have Type 2 Diabetes. I’m borderline, so it’s not completely out of control, diet should take care of it – but certainly not what I wanted to hear.  I’ll know in about 2 weeks whether or not I need to go on meds.

We’ve been fighting lice last couple days (Kadence brought it home from school). NOT FUN!!!

Rob’s parents are coming for a visit this week to celebrate Damian turning 8 and Kadence turning 6. We’re excited to have them come for a visit – but I can’t believe how old the kids are getting already. Next month Bianca will be 4 and Addison will be 3. Where does the time go?

I’m healing well from my hysterectomy, was finally cleared  yesterday to resume normal activities.

Well – this was just a quick update. Hope everyone is well.

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
Why the early bird gets the worm;
Life isn’t always fair;
and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and by his son, Reason.  He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, I Want It Now, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I’m A Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone. If you still remember him, pass this on.