Los Angeles October 20-23

The kids were on Fall Break so we decided to go down to LA and hang out. Here we are at Knott's Berry Farm. The kids had a great time since it was not too busy and they got to hop on all the rides without lines.

I know Gramma won't like this picture. Emma's having a good time though!!

Hey Snoopy!! Wow, I bet Emma could wear that costume.

Posing outside of KBF. Jake waited all day for that wooden gun.

The day after Knott's we thought we would head down to Long Beach for the day. We ate some great ribs at Famous Dave's and then ended up at the beach.

Leaving our mark.

Our last night we went to Medieval Times. Mom and I had been before, but it was a whole new experience with the kids. It's so fun to see them enjoy something for the first time. Jake thought the sword fighting was way cool, and Emma was screaming her head off cheering our Knight.

Halloween's Coming....

We went to the store the other day and stopped by the Halloween section. We couldn't help but try some of the masks on. I have to admit that Halloween is not one of my favorite times of year. But the kids are trying to get me in the spirit of the season.

Emma as an old wizard.

We could not let Erek walk out of the store without this mask....it was just way creeeepy!! He has already scared the crap out of us several times.

Third Grade Field Trip

First stop was the Railroad Museum in Nevada City. The kids are standing in front of one of the engines that has returned home after many years in Hollywood. It was fun seeing all the old timers tinkering around in the shop and showing us their latest rebuild of a steam engine.

Next stop was the Empire Mine. Of all things to play with in the museum, here's Jake playing around with the dynamite packing machine.

The kids are having fun in one of the cars that would have taken the miners down to the tunnels for work. It would have taken some of them an hour to reach their destination. I was absolutely amazed to see how many tunnels we actually have right here underneath our feet. Jake wants to go back and spend more time at the mine, so hopefully we will go back later this month.

An old Pelton wheel is now at rest at the North Star Mine. Mr. Beahm was telling us that one of the older teachers at Alta Sierra used to ride this thing as a kid before they built around it.

What a fun day!! It was absolutely gorgeous outside and there is so much history in the area, I think some of us wanted to hang around a little longer. One of Jake's teachers, Mrs. Shureen is on the left.

Magnolia Cross-Country

Emma decided to try cross-country this year, along with everything else of course. She was surprised to find out how good a lot of the girls are, but still remains very commited. I think the highlight for her has been making friends with some of the seventh and eighth grade girls which is waaaay cool.

Here she is taking the incline at Lyman Gilmore school in Grass Valley. Way to go!!!