Camping in Mammoth Lakes, CA

 I had a serious hankering to do some camping. The last time I tent camped was in Yosemite back in 2012? I should check this blog to make sure, because it felt like it had been much longer than that.
Normally, on the week of July 4th, we go to Laughlin/Needles. Its been a tradition for many years (almost 11 to be exact). This year, things didn't work out as planned and I was hell bent on getting outdoors. I've been working on a startup project for the last year and really wanted to disconnect for a few days and get outside.
We packed up the car and headed up highway 395 towards Mammoth Lakes. I studied the area and was very certain we would find a campsite that was walk-up only as it was far too late in the season to get a reservation. Luckily enough, we found one on our second try.
We camped on Lake Mary at the Pine city campground. It had an amazing view and close proximity to everything. I really enjoyed our time up there except for the last night of the trip, we dealt with wind gusts coming off the lake that must have been 60+ miles and hour! the rattling of the tent made for a very sleepless night. Other than that, everyone was a trooper and I was very happy with being able to show the family yet another beautiful place in this world. The only thing now is that my appetite for camping has been ratcheted up a notch, and I'm already scoping out a new destination before the end of the summer/fall.

Camping in Mammoth Lakes, CA

Tay is 21!

Taylah celebrated her 21st birthday with a variety of shot bottles. It was her 1st time drinking, wink wink. No really, it was her 1st time and she was like a seasoned pro. No buzz, no hangover. The girl has some serious tolerance.

 

Tay is 21!

River 2015

 

River 2015

Mothers Day 2015

Spent the day in Santa Monica and then touted around other parts of LA, including Beverly Hills and Hollywood. It was pretty chill as we didn't have to fight long lines to get some lunch

Mothers Day 2015

Spring Break 2015

This year we celebrated Easter and Spring Break by taking a "staycation". Disneyland, Angels game and good ole' Huntington Beach rounded out the weekend.

Spring Break 2015

Taylah turns 20

Taylah had a huge turn out for her 20th birthday. We celebrated at Morenos in Orange with some great Mexican food and Mariachi music.

Taylah turns 20

MCU

I never thought at age 40, I would geek out on Marvel comics or the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). The Marvel films that began with 'IronMan" back in 2008, set the tone for how comic book based movies should be made. Base the story somewhat in reality, and explain away supernatural-like events in science. Thor was a great example of how that was pulled off. I was skeptical about Marvel being purchased by Disney, but it seems like they have left the talented people in charge and hopefully will continue to put out smart, well-balanced and entertaining movies. I can't wait to see the 'Avengers: Age of Ultron'. It looks like it could be the best movie yet, with Joss Whedon directing. I'm trying to not get overly hyped about it, but my son is just as enthusiastic and won't allow me to keep my cool. #GeeksForever

MCU

Star Wars VII

The teaser trailer came out this Thanksgiving weekend and there was a collective gasp among the nerd-verse. You can see the trailer here and hopefully it evokes the same spine-tingling, nostalgia-filled giddiness that I felt upon my first viewing. Oh yeah, the MF'in MF is back!

Star Wars VII

Missy's 1st ballet Recital

Few things are as adorable as "The itty bitty" ballerinas. After her second class, Daniella was comfortable going at it alone, as Mom and Dad watch with great admiration through the classroom window. After about 8 classes, the girls were participating in Anaheim YMCAs first ever performing arts show. The kids did not disappoint and fun was had by all.

Missy is in the Red Minnie Dress

Missy's 1st ballet Recital

Missy is a Dancer

Daniella had her first and only recital today. She performed the Mickey mouse song (original, not the annoying clubhouse version). We will see how this dance thing goes...

Missy is a Dancer

Happy Halloween 2014

This years costumes...

Deathstroke

Wonder Woman and Elsa trick or treat

Aladdin and Jasmine

Sith Lord

Happy Halloween 2014

Missy turns 3!

We had Daniella's birthday party at the Santa Ana Zoo and it was a success. Can't believe we didn't do this for our other kids, but I highly recommend it. Thanks to all who attended.

Missy turns 3!

My boy

Yes, I do have a son. If you were to peruse this blog, you may not have noticed, as a good number of my posts are daughter-centric. That is mainly because he avoids picture opportunities. He is always with us and is a huge part of our family. I see him as the heart of it. He loves his sister's and expects the best from everyone.

My boy

#OCfair

Saw 311, which is always awesome. Tisha treated us to some classic fair fare. The pig races were entertaining. See you next year!

#OCfair

Disneyland

Our second time with Missy was an epic fail in regards to her interacting with the Characters. She was slightly panicked every time we approached Mickey, Minnie or any other one of her favorite people. I like to think she is star struck and maybe she needs time to warm up to them. Regardless, we had a good time and it was fun to be out with the family on MLK day.

Disneyland