August 2

The crisp mornings dawn with a serenity that is only known in nature and the smells of pine needles and fresh, clean air intermingle...some of my favorite memories as a child are our family camping trips. We would go for 2 weeks to June Lake and fish, camp, sit around a campfire and talk, hike and just hang out as a family. As these memories stream into my mind, I feel my excitement rising, knowing that I am going to be able to introduce these special things to my sons too! Next Wed the kids and I are going on a camping trip with my family for a week to June Lake and Yosemite. The bittersweet twinge of my excitement is that Jason can't come with us. That is a huge disappointment to me, and actually this is the most time I've ever been away from him since we've been married. But I know it will be a fantastic week!

1) Our plans for our camping vacation

2) Angela's aunt letting us use their motorhome

3) Jason(my brother) telling me that he really wanted me to be able to come since I haven't been on vacation in so long - just so sweet and thoughtful of him to even know that. Yes, Jason and I have not been on vacation since our trip to Maui in '03.

4) The weather cooling off!!

5) Waking up after my 1.5 hr nap (after working last night) to find that Jason had cleaned up the house, done laundry, gotten me a thai iced tea (I love those!) as well as getting himself ready for work this morning!

6) Gavin telling me today: "daddy said I have to be very helpful today because you had a long day and are tired."

7) Looking forward to seeing Pam, Jesse and Luci tomorrow as well as Sarah and Ben

8) The pizza dough from TJ's - have I already said this? Only .99 for a doughball and you make your own pizzas. Yum

9) Hanging out with my parents Saturday night

10) My parents still having so much wisdom and sharing it with me

11) My mom getting done with school on Friday and then having 3 weeks off!!