Visit to Grandpa Rons'

One of our last out of town visits was to Fresno to say bye to Grandpa Ron and Wilma. We had a really enjoyable afternoon. Wilma made us good luck noodles, which was very thoughtful. The temperature of the water was perfect and the girls (mommy and daddy, too) had a ball swimming. Ainlsey got right in and started swimming (didn't seem to forget much over the last year- thank you Miss Heidi!). Kaley stuck to the side, but by the time it was time ot leave, she was feeling more comfortable and confident. A couple more times in the pool and she should be up and swimming again. Grandpa bbq'd for us and we stayed for lunch and dinner. It was a nice day!

Academy of Sciences

View from the Living Roof at the CA Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park.

In the aquarium

Catfish

Albino Alligator w/Pink Eyes- a favorite of the Ainsley and Kaley!

At the movie BUGS! 3D- Kaley decided she liked watching the movie without the glasses.

In the Rainforest

Bromelian Tree Frogs

Yes, we saw Blue Butterflies- very exciting part of our visit. Ainlsey was reminded of our book- A Blue Butterfly (story about Monet) and Kaley talked about our Fancy Nancy book, in which Fancy Nancy has a fascination with blue butterflies....oiu, oui, oui.

I liked this one.

Muir Woods

Little Chipmunk having a flower snack













Burl wood

Sunlight at the Cathederal Grove







Inside a burnt tree

We did it!!! We completed the Quest, a family treasure hunt.

Captain John Long's retirement ceremony

We were honored by being invited to the retirement ceremonies for Captain John Long. What an amazing day to watch the Coast Guard retire someone who has done so much for this Country. Margaret was very proud of John and rightfully so.

Open House

Ainlsey's ACE Concert

Ainlsey had her Jr. Choir Performance last week. It was very well orchestrated by Mr. Abbott, Ainsley's teacher. All the songs were geared around Patriotism and the kids did a fantastic job.

Poppi and Nana

Poppi and Nana came to say bye to the Worthley's (and lend their car for shuttling the girls to and fro). Good thing they know their way around as they were a HUGE help Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of last week. Mom also surprised me by bringing my favorite dish from my youth...haloopsies. I actually just found this recipe online...very similar, except mom adds a bit of basil and she rolls the cabbage leaves:

Haloopsie
1 small head of cabbage, cut into chunks1 small onion, finely diced1½ cups riceLeftover ham, cut into chunksPreheat oven to 425 degrees. Boil rice until almost done, rinse with cold water and strain.Microwave chunks of cabbage until soft, probably a minute or so. Mix all ingredients together.Salt and pepper to taste. Butter or spray cooking oil on the bottom of your casserole dish or 8x8 pan. Place mixture in dish/pan; add a few dollops of butter on top. Cover and bake for about 20-25- minutes.

Nana and Ainlsey getting ready in the morning Poppi and Ainlsey having breakfast

Kaley and Poppi

Thanks Dad and Mom for EVERYTHING! We love you!

Gold Country

I liked this photo, but because I was driving, I wasn't able to take it (it is located off a busy road)...so, I found this one on the internet.

After we left Carson City, we drove to Sutter Creek to learn about Gold Mining in CA. We toured Sutter Gold Mine, where we learned that in 1850, miners struck the Mother Lode- a quartz vein with gold nuggets throughout.

Getting "tagged in", just like they did in the 1850...Wabush Mine Going in!!
"It's dark down here"!Ore cartThe Worthley GirlsLight at the end of the tunnelMining for gold