Monday, September 10, 2012

The Mountains and the Bowl

 Over the past couple of weeks we have had some fun activities.  One weekend we went up to the mountains of Utah and did some climbing and ATV riding outside of Cedar City.  Brad and I did a short hike in Zion National Park on our way to the cabin.
Here are a couple of pictures inside the cabin. . .not your typical cabin.

 We took the little kids out on the ATV's, not knowing whether they would like the ride or not.  They came back asking to go again and again and again.  Good thing Uncle Evan and Grandpa are good drivers.
 Coco riding with Grandpa.

 The beautiful Strawberry Point. . .one of my top 10 views in the world.
 Steve and Alana enjoyed the view.
 Leaping to great heights in a jumping shot at Strawberry Point.
 Gavin, Brad and Evan went out looking for aspen logs for decorative purposes.
 Taking the wood back home on the ATV.

 We had a fun time exploring the cave about 5 miles away.

 We had another 4G field trip - Four Generations of Ferguson/Finlay Family members - and went to the Hollywood Bowl to hear the LA Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Children's Chorus, and the USC Marching Band play Tchaikovsky music.  We had dinner ahead of time.  It was a beautiful evening made even better by the fireworks at the end of the night, timed to play with "The 1812 Overture".
 We also celebrated Charlene's birthday and the kids all helped her to blow out her candles.

 All 4 generations really loved the concert. . .
and the fireworks were fabulous!

Sunday, September 02, 2012

First Day of School and the Boat Trip

 Gavin and Ellie started school this year. . .and they were so excited to go!
 Coco and Ethan wanted to go to kindergarten also but then figured out that they really wanted to stay in preschool with their great teacher.
 We all went on the annual boat tour this year for the Sanitation Districts. . .one of the marine animals that was pulled up in the net was a small octopus.
 Jeannie got to help steer the boat into San Pedro harbor.  Good thing she has plenty of Coast Guard expertise.
 It was a great day for the boat tour.
 Then it was off to the beach for some boogey boarding. . .Ethan loved it.
 Coco liked the beach too.
Then the next day we all celebrated Megster's birthday, about 3 weeks late.  But strawberry cheesecake is always a terrific birthday cake.