Dogpile

Shane went to a friend's Gymnastic Birthday party. When we arrived to pick him up, about 35 kids were running around the perimeter of the gym playing "musical pads" (musical chairs with pads). As Shane progressed through each round, his confidence began to build. With about 6 kids left, we started to hear chanting. I said to Jesse, "I think the kids are chanting Go Shane, Go!" As the field thinned to two, the whole gym was yelling, "Go Shane, Go!" With the help of his fans, he was able to pull out the victory. One of his buddies charged him, taking him down like an NFL linebacker. Within seconds, there was a 35 person dog pile in the middle of the mat. Shane came out with a huge grin...he was on cloud nine.

More rain

We're up to almost 6 inches of rain in the past 5 days and we had a record low barometer reading for the Los Angeles area yesterday.

Lights out on the couch watching the lightning show last night.

Rock Wall Climbing--Camp Whittle

As we showed up to the climbing wall, two girls (perhaps a bit older than the boys) climbed to the top of the wall with ease and rang "THE BELL"...."No problem" thought the boys...none of them made it on their first attempt.

Shane and Riley observing Charlie's technique...anticipation building...
...so far to go...

...getting the hang (pun intended) of it...

...so far to go...

...all...most...there...

...so close...don't slip now...

Video of Shane ringing THE BELL and repelling to the ground.

Chow Time--Camp Whittle

Meals at Camp Whittle were a good time. It gave us all a chance to sit and chat about our plans and adventures. Nothing like camping and having your food prepared for you!

Can you say "Self Photo"?

These things were everywhere in the dining hall...30 to 40 is a conservative guess. They were serious about germ control!!!

Shane and Riley cleaning up after dinner.

Cabin Fever

My bunk buddy

Can you say "Bed Head!"?

Accommodations were sparse, but they had heat, lights, and one outlet (constantly occupied by the coffee maker, iPhones, Blackberries, and iPod docking stations).
Spencer sporting the Fire Wolf salute

Ready for a good nights sleep

Indian wrestling

Wilderness survival kit

Camp Whittle

Camp Whittle 2010 was a complete success!!! We had an absolute blast. The group of guys in our tribe were great and the kids got along perfectly. We arrived at night, making finding our cabin a practical exercise in night land navigation. The camp took care of all meals and activities (though we added a few supplements to both...I will expound in other posts). All-in-all a great time with Shane.
Fire Wolves Tribe (Left to Right: Spencer, Ryan, Aiden, Shane, Riley, Kyle, Charlie)

The crew checking out a "mouse" they saw run under the bed...

On a hike

Tubing

We went to an "off-site" adventure to a snow tubing hill. Riley (red) and Shane (blue) at the bottom of the hill.
Just lounging

The conveyor ride to the top of the hill was a big hit...almost as much fun as tubing down.

Alpine Slide

We took a "day trip" away from camp to the Alpine slide. Here we are on the lift to the top.


Shane ready to let her fly...

"Sixty-Nine Dude!"


Unidentified couple heading down the track...its soooo fun!

First Snow Experience

Aiden, Riley, and Shane in their snow fort. Playing in the meadow that we later found out we weren't supposed to play in.

Shane preparing an ice brick for the ice fort.

The Novelty of Rain

It was raining yesterday when the kids got up. So at 7am they put their rainboots on, got some umbrellas and played outside for 2 1/2 hours. They made an umbrella fort, swang on the swings and did a little trampolining (if that is a word) in the backyard. The umbrellas were never used as they were meant too and by 9:30 i had 2 drowned rats at my door. That's when i should have taken their pictures, darn it!

Zipline

A little zipline action, Hailey likes to spin in circles and Shane likes to go upside down now. Always something new.

5 Days in a Row

We have gone to the park everyday this week since Shane learned to ride a bike, that is all he wants to do. So far he has attempted to go head on with a pole, picnic table and tree without any victories. He thinks it's funny and i just cringe at the sight. Hailey thinks it's hilarous, i haven't seen her laugh that hard in a long time. No injuries yet!

Hailey has gotten really good on her scooter too. (she is wearing her invisible helmet)

Day in the Life of Hailey

Every Tuesday Hailey and I do P.E. for Shane's class. We have a 45 minute window btw the time we drop Shane off and need to be at the field so we go across the street and go to Haileyland.....goats, ducks, roosters, pigs, horses and cats.

Sledding by Baby Steps

Shane and Hailey got 2 sleds for Xmas. We started out in the backyard going down the grass, which they thought was fun.

Then we took it to another level and went to a preschool that had snow day and did some sledding there. Next weekend Jesse and Shane will be camping out in Big Bear with Indian Guides, Shane will finally get to do the real thing!