Big Bear Pictures!

Our family has a yearly tradition that dates back to when I when I was in high school and before all the kids were born (except for Katie and Maggie). Every Thanksgiving weekend, the cousins trek up the mountain to spend the weekend at a cabin in Big Bear. I wasn't allowed until I was out of high school, but ever since then, it's been a tradition I always look forward to. We've been to three different cabins in the past, but the current one we stay at is our all time favorite. It has 4 bedrooms and two good sized living spaces. It fits perfectly with our growing bunch.

Below are some photos from this past weekend. I miss it already!

"Serious" Eric, on the way up the mountain


The view once we got up there






Here is our home away from home, Coulter Lodge.



A trip to the cabin isn't complete without playing a bunch of games.

Uno

I'm almost out!!

Poker is a must during Big Bear weekend

I'm preparing to deal

My brothers, Dave (who is camera shy) and Jon

My cousin, Tom, is the big winner!

Whatcha drinkin' Dave?
Amanda takes in the action
Karen's Big Bear tradition is to work on her scrap booking

Usually after spending lots of time sitting and watching movies, or playing games, we like to go out and get some fresh air by taking a walk.

My niece and nephew, Mia and Nick

My nephews, Justin and Joshua
Joshua is all bundled up! Good grief is he ever cute!

Me and the hubster. Sorry it's so blurry!
This one is a bit too dark, but at least it isn't blurry! We are in the same spot as above too.
Jon and Amanda
Dave and Karen
A random shot of the roaring fire we always had going

I can't believe Big Bear weekend has already come and gone. We always have so much fun and I'm already looking forward to next year!

Weekend Fun!

We had such a fun weekend!

All I have to say is that I'm sooooo ready for fall. The mornings here have been so gorgeous with their slight chill in the air. Sadly, by noon, the chill has worn off and the temperature has risen to 90-ish degrees or so. I'm ready for it to stay below 70 all day. I'm definately a cool weather girl.

To get more in the mood for the fall, we took a drive up to Oak Glen on Saturday to pick some apples. It's a yearly tradition that the cousins do and this year, we decided to join in. While at Los Rios Ranchos, we picked up some apple butter and pumpkin butter in their store, before heading into the apple orchards to pick our apples. It is a bit overpriced to pick apples ($10 for a peck!) but we were able to pick some apples that we can't get in the store. I forgot (as usual) my camera, so I am stealing some pictures from my sister in law (I hope you don't mind Karen!)

Here is the view of the city of Yucaipa from the apple orchard


Here are all the kids


My nephew Joshshua pickin' some apples (I love this picture)


Justin is excited about the apples he found




These are not our apples, but they are just like the ones we picked. They are called Spartans. I really wanted some Granny Smith, but they were not ready to be picked



My nephews, Nick and Justin. They are best buds



Joshua couldn't wait to eat his apple



After apple picking, we all went to the Spaghetti Factory and had a great lunch!

Sunday I decided to take the apples I picked and make an apple pie out of them! For my first pie, I have to say it wasn't half bad. I may tweak the recipe a little bit, but not too much. Maybe a little extra sugar and I will definately use Granny Smith apples. Hopefully tomorrow I can post some pictures of my pie!

Yesterday, my cousin Lisa and our friend Barb went to Culver City to see a taping of the Bonnie Hunt show. Her guests yesterday were Benjamin Bratt (hubba hubba) and Mekhi Phifer. She is totally adorable and we had a great time. All I have to say is that her set seems bigger on T.V than it does in person.

All in all it was a great weekend and now I'm tired.

Camping!

Last weekend we went camping with my brothers and their families as well as my cousins and their families. For the past 3 or 4 years we have been trying to make it a summer tradition to get away for a weekend and go camping. The past couple of years, we froze our rears off in the mountain community of Julian, so this year we decided to try beach camping again. We had gone before, but it's very difficult to get a couple of camping spots at the beach.

My awesome cousin Lisa, being the awesome person she is, made the calls to the campground so that we can get our reservations for us. To let you know how difficult this is, she called 6 months in advance to get us the reservation and was online as well as her phone hitting re-dial multiple times until she got someone. She was able to get us 2 camping spots. One was right on the beach, and the other was across the little road from it. Thanks Lisa for your hard work! It was so worth it!

Here are some pictures of our trip.

Eric setting up our tent:















Our "home" for two nights:















The main camping spot:















Our view from the main site:














My niece enjoying the beach sand:














My nephew's not to sure about this beach thing:














My little cousin playing in the water:














This dog was so cute playing in the waves:














My niece again:














My nephew's making a sand castle:














My husband said he was "enjoying the beautiful scenery"














Justin can't wait to play in the ocean!















The three "old guys" have fun in the ocean too















Makin' the s'mores














Note to self: Being in the shade all day does not equal being completely protected from the sun. This is also a public service announcement to remind you to use your sunscreen!