Mammoth Creek August 2011

Stephanie and Jonathan invited our family to their cabin at Mammoth Creek. There was enough room for all of us. Those who came were Marleen and Spencer's family, Darleen's family, David, mom, Aaron's family and Stephen and Diana. The weather was perfect. The scenery was breathtaking.

There was a creek right next to the cabin which unfortunately was a perfect breeding environment for mosquitos. Thank goodness for bug spray!

Harrison smiled and talked with all of us.

Darleen and her new baby Chloe!

Stephanie made yummy Oreo shakes. Marleen, Stephen and Spencer could not resist.

The cousins had fun sleeping together in the big room upstairs, running around outside, throwing rocks in the creek, riding the Ranger and ATV's, playing on the jungle gym, laughing and eating together. Couldn't ask for more!

Joshua, Allyse and Brad enjoyed putting together a puzzle.

Sabrina and Joseph found two water snakes. Benjamin was not frightened of the snakes!

Aubrey and Ava

"Peek-a-boo!" Benjamin loved eating Oreo cookies, thus the black mouth!

Joshua and Allyse played tetherball.

There was a small slide outside the front of the cabin. The cousins found time to slide down it.

Allyse went fishing.

Joshua and Julene ran to Mammoth Springs, 6.2 total miles. Joshua is a much better runner than his mom. He finished first!

"I am coming!" puffed Julene

Running was great fun, but running together was priceless!

Benjamin explored the surroundings.

Beautiful meadow right by the cabin.

Benjamin had fun playing on the jungle gym.

The swing was one of Benjamin's favorites.

Fancy Nora and Fancy Angelina

Nora came over to play with Angelina one afternoon. They decided to get out the dress up clothes and adorned themselves like Fancy Nancy.

Fancy girls!

Growing Like Weeds

This is another photo from 2004 that I love. This was taken on Memorial Day at the cabin at Mt. Charleston. Allyse, Joshua and Joseph were sitting on the sofa with their cousins, Corbin and Ethan, when I encouraged them to be silly. They are all growing up too fast! Josh and Corbin start middle school in two weeks! AAAAGGGHHHH!!!

Cousins by the Dozens

Somebody really needs to cheer up this bunch.

As usual, Angelina is marching to the beat of her own drum.

Sofia and Allyse playing "Hide and Seek." When I see this, I think Nicholson in The Shining.

I'm not really sure what game this is, but if you can caption this one, be my guest.

Thay Cheethe!

Lilly's getting into this whole Vegas thing. Remember: what happens in Vegas . . .

Lauren is sporting a hat from Queen Elizabeth's personal collection.

Chillin' wit my cuzzes.

Are you sure Hannah Montana got started this way?

Combing for Cackleberries (aka Rooting Roe)

Okay, Easter Egg Hunt

Or if you prefer, Pagan Fertility Celebration of the Vernal Equinox!

We went back to Summerlin for the annual Easter Egg Hunt. It really does not involve much searching and seeking, as the workers go out onto baseball fields with garbage bags full of food and candy. They tear holes in the bottom of the bags, pick up the bags by the tops and start spinning in circles like a Whirling Dirvish. The result is that clusters of goodies get strewn everywhere. It is up to the "hunters" to go and start scooping the largesse into their bags.

Josh and Allyse were geared up for the sweet safari.

Angelina with her bucket at the ready.

Joseph's pre-hunt ritual includes trying to cram his 7-year-old body
into a stroller built for children who are about half his size.

She's so hot that she's listed as a significant contributor to global warming.

The "hunters" are lined up at the edge of the baseball infield,
looking earnestly for clues to help them find their prey.

This is more of a "Where's Waldo?" photo, only the object is to find Joshua.

All that truly matters is that she had a pink bucket and that her pink skirt
wasn't in the dirty clothes hamper when she got dressed that morning.

Benjamin was shouting words of encouragement to siblings.

The successful hunters showing off their kill.

What Easter Egg Hunt would be complete without a faux train ride?