Camping

We went camping for the first time as a family the first weekend of July at Emigrant Gap (about and hour away). Casey had Friday off work, so we packed up and headed off that afternoon around 2. We left a little later than we wanted too and while we were driving up there was a lot of traffic (4th of July weekend), so we were a little worried we wouldn't get a spot. We got there and there was one spot waiting for us. After we set up camp, we took a little hike to a nearby waterfall. The waterfall was pretty, but let's just say the water wasn't exactly warm. It was actually freezing, but presented a challenge, so I told Casey that if he went in, I would. After our hike, we explored the beautiful meadow by our campsite, Casey made a fire, we roasted hot dogs, smores, then put the boys to bed so that Casey and I could enjoy the nice night and fire. The next morning, we woke up pretty early because let's be honest, who really sleeps in when you're camping, ate a quick breakfast than packed up shop. We had a great time and I would like to get one more camping trip in before summer ends.

Casey after taking a dip in the water

Benson and I with the waterfall
Casey and Weston making their way across the stream to hike back to the campsite

The four of us on our hike

Weston found some pretty big pinecones

This is what Weston did a lot of the time we were there.

He also liked to do this (then pour the dirt on himself while he was at it)

Our happy, dirty boy. He just loved camping.

Our happy, clean little boy. I just love this picture. His smile goes all the way to his eyes.

Roasting hot dogs for dinner

Toasted marshmallows for the smores. We hadn't had smores in a long time and thought they were pretty delicious.

The next morning. Yes, I'm a human pillow for our two boys :)

We love Daddy, yes we do!

We had a fun Father's Day this year. Casey is the best Dad and you can tell our boys just love him to death. Weston definately prefers Casey over me these days and Benson gives his biggest smiles for Casey too. I just love it! I couldn't have asked for a better dad for our children and I will be eternally grateful that I get to raise our children with him. For this reason, he deserves a great day. It started out with breakfast of course (what day doesn't with me : ) ). When we got home he opened presents. I got him a new toolbag for all the tools he has been accumulating. For dinner we did something a little different for me, but really fun. We had been invited over to our friend's (the Griffins) for dinner the Sunday before. We said yes, but then I remembered it was Father's Day and was going to reschedule for another day, but Casey said he wanted me to relax and not have to cook for a Father's Day, so I obliged. Do I have a great husband or what? Even on his special day he is thinking about making my life easier. Anyways, Ally made tacos and we had fun hanging out with her and Chris as always and playing a game. Like I said, it was a fun day!

The card I made him Looking surprised as he opened his present

This is his "Ahh, you shouldn't have" smile. He deserved it.

My three handsome boys
Here is Benson on Father's Day. Weston wore this same onesie two years ago.
Now for a comparison. I tired to get a picture as close to the one I took of Weston, but it was tough. Here is Benson this year...

...and this is Weston two years ago. What do you think? They looked REALLY similar at birth, but Benson is definately getting his own look.

Tanner Family Reunion 2010

At the beginning of June we hopped in the car and traveled to Newport, OR for Casey's family reunion. We celebrated Casey's birthday, went to the beach a lot and played, watched Nate run his marathon (the reason we had it in Newport), ate a lot of good food, and enjoyed hanging out with the family. A big thanks to Casey's mom for organizing it all so we can see each other once a year!

The beautiful beach. The only thing that would make it better is warm water :)

Casey and the boys. Weston threw his glasses out the window when we were driving and I was only able to salvage the frames, but he still wears them.
Grandma juggling and reading to the little ones

Weston playing the fountain. It was raining and freezing, but he didn't seem to mind.

Nate running his marathon. He did great.

Benson just did a lot of this.

These two are best friends already

Casey and Jason were trying to play catch, but Weston wanted to play keep away :)

Playing in the sand

We went to Mo's and they put these sharks on the kid's drinks. Weston was trying to feed his straw to one.

And he's off! This was near the restaurant

Weston had fun with the sharks later in the tub too.
A family picture on the last day. Until next year...

3 Months

Benson turned 3 months on June 5. He is the best baby. I'm pretty sure he knows that Weston requires a lot of attention right now, so he is just content hanging around. I don't think I mentioned this before, but he has the cutest little dimple on one cheek and I just love it. Anyways, on to some updates and pictures since that is what everyone wants to see :)

>Doesn't mind tummy time and is working on those neck/back muscles.
>Has pretty powerful legs and can scoot himself forward a little (as he digs his face into the ground).
>Laughs and is starting to think Weston is funny.
>Went swimming for the first time, but it was still a little chilly for him.
>Went on his first road trip and did great!
>Found his feet
>Can grasp his toys now
>Loves dancing to music
>Already enjoys being thrown around by Casey

Working on those muscles

Taking a dip in the pool for the first time
His first sink bath.

Casey's Birthday

Casey's birthday was on June 3rd and we were lucky enough to celebrate with his whole family since it was during his family reunion in Newport, OR. We did all things Casey that day and ate some of his favorite foods. It started off with french toast, strawberries and whipped cream, and fruit salad. Then we headed out to go to the Sea Lion Caves we had heard about. The Sea Lion Caves were a big disappointment and not worth the $12 to get in. Word of advice, if you want to see a bunch of seals or sea lions go to San Francisco or San Diego and see them for free. I actually liked both of those places better. After seeing the sea lions, we stopped by a beach to see some tide pools and walk around then it was home for lunch. For dinner we had a BBQ with hamburgers, brats, strawberry jello salad, and Baked Lays. If you know Casey, you know he loves a good BBQ. To top of the day we played Band Hero. Casey loves to play the drums, but his favorite is singing. "It's all about stage prescence." : ) Happy Birthday again Casey! I love you!

The Sea Lion Caves. Two thumbs down.

Our family picture at the beach.
Getting ready to blow out the candles. I made a "Heaven and Hell" cake. It was Devil's Food and Angel Food cake layers with a peanut butter mousse and ganache frosting. It was pretty good.

Opening presents. He got a lot of new tools which he was excited about.

We got everyone to play Band Hero that night. It was pretty fun.

Memorial Weekend

The Saturday before Memorial Day, we decided to go hiking. Northern California has a lot of hiking/camping, so we're slowly but surely trying to take advantage of it all. There are trails under the Forresthill bridge that run next to the American River, so we gave one of them a try. It was a great day for hiking. Not too hot or cold. We were trying to find this watering hole that is ideal for swimming, but the trail was overgrown, so we went as far as we could then stopped for lunch and headed back. On actual Memorial Day we headed to a new park in Rocklin with a huge playground and water area, went swimming with our friends the Nartkers, then headed to their house for a BBQ that night. Unfortunately the weather was overcast all day, but we still had a great time.

Great weather + great scenery = perfect day for a hike.

Weston was a trooper and would have walked the whole way, but we were trying to pick up the pace a little :)
Benson hanging out during lunch

We stopped by this pretty little spring for lunch and Casey caught a frog that he saw.

After we finished the hike, we took Weston down to the water to throw rocks. He had a blast and didn't want to leave. Throwing rocks is one of his favorite things to do.

The park in Rocklin that Casey discovered. Weston is becoming quite the climber.

Weston loved watching the tee ball games. I can't wait until he is old enough to play.

Benson chillaxin' by the pool. It was a little chilly for him.

Weston having fun with Casey.