Mariposa Fires

Well, it is day number 5 without Jon. Sunday afternoon he got the news that Sacramento Metro was sending out a "Strike Team" down to the fires in Mariposa, California near Yosemite. Jon was one of the unlucky ones to take the assignment. The 53-square-mile blaze was sparked Friday by a target shooter and raged out of control quickly. Our beautiful dry state is not even halfway through its fire season, but more acres have burned here this year than in any other. More than 2,000blazes have scorched 1,875 square miles already this year, compared with the nearly 1,720 square miles that burned in 2007. It has destroyed 21 homes, caused hundreds to evacuate, and for days had spit up clouds of ash that obscured the national park's granite peaks. High temperatures, low humidity, steep climbs and dry vegetation have made their efforts seem worthless, but their hard work appeared to be paying off -- fire officials announced Thursday that the number of homes being threatened has been downgraded to 2,000 from 4,000. They also said 16 firefighters have suffered minor injures and the cost to battle the blaze has hit $18.8 million. As of tonight, the fire is 45% contained. For the past week, firefighters have filled motels and packed restaurants in Mariposa. In many cases the crews have replaced tourists who canceled travel plans to the mountains and Yosemite National Park, especially when the news spread nationally and internationally. Base camp for the firefighters has been set up at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds where they sleep on cots and stage ready to battle the fire on any given "3 minute" notice. On the days off they spend their time resting in the nearby hotels. Thanks to all of your prayers, for Jon's assignment was a safe one. His crew provided structure protection for the residents. Jon will explain more about it when he gets back. But, back at base camp the prisoners, who were in good standings, served the firefighters their meals. All were provided - breakfast, lunch and even dinner. I have been able to talk to Jon multiple times this past week and he said the camaraderie was amazing. To see everyone come together to protect such beautiful monuments placed a warmth in their hearts. Jon said that he will be due back tomorrow night, but unfortunately he will be going back to work so we won't see him until Sunday morning. I know all three of us are anxious to kiss and hug him once again. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers as we will be reunited once again.

Little Bunny Foo...

I had to put this in because it's just so silly. Rylee loves to play dress up with Brody. She cracks up everytime she does something funny to him, which makes him laugh in return.He doesn't mind it as long as he's got her attention. I know the bickering will be starting as soon as he is mobile and starts taking her toys. So as for now, I am enjoying every opportunity they have to laugh together.

Jr. Firefighters!

This is a post to our wonderful husband and father:
Our little firefighters in training just wanted to tell you how much they miss you!!!!We love you so much! Thanks for all your hard work!!

Baby Blessing

We had the privilege of getting the family together at my dad's house for three baby blessings. My parents have been blessed with three new grandbabies so far this year. One more baby girl is on the way!!! Congrats Aaron and Brittany!!From left to right: Emily "Porcelian Doll" Rose born Dec. 26th 2007, Maximus "Gladiator" Daniel born June 11th 2008, and Brody "Smiley" Nick born Feb. 9th 2008.The boys.Afterwards there was yummy refreshments including rootbeer floats! Thanks to Dad, Johnny and Dan who performed the blessings and thanks to Bishop Hess for being present. We feel so blessed to have the most wonderful, healthy, beautiful babies.These are the keepsake shoes that Aunt Kim has gotten all the grandbabies thus far. Thanks we love them!!!

Real Food!

Here is Brody's first attempt at rice cereal.Brody has been grabbing and staring at anything we put in OUR mouths so we thought it was time for "REAL FOOD". I hate food, it's just so stinkin' messy! By the way, he displayed just how much he liked rice cereal by showing us his first sign......"Come on Brody, it wasn't that bad"!

Sunday

After gaining some eternal perspective at church, we decided to just spend the day together. What sunday is complete without a little jump in the bounce house.......and some crazy dress up! Rylee dressed me just perfectly for the sunday stroll we were about to embark on.We decided to walk to the Towne Center from our house. There are so many great spots to photograph. It was so hot that the water we took with us was anything but refreshing. We were sweating like pigs by the time we got back. Some editing fun.

Tahoe on the 4th

So we decided to venture to South Lake Tahoe for the fabulous fireworks show set to music. We enjoyed it so much 3 years ago that we thought it would be fun to come back. Last time we came we encountered some horrible traffic on the way home. So this year we decided to camp there over night. When we first got there we set up camp at the Tahoe Valley Campgrounds and waited for the Gowdy's to show. After they got there Addie was pale and started vomiting. Poor thing :-( Not a good start for them. After the clean up we grabbed a few sandwiches and headed down to the beach to get a good spot for the show. We enjoyed a beautiful sunset over the lake while Addie and Rylee played in the sand.Rylee loved the fireworks! "Pretty fio-woks!" She was so excited with each new ball of fire that hit the sky; she would cover her mouth in awe.This is Rylee doing her "cheese" face for the camera. What a ham..or "One Eyed Willie"!Brody never fails to amaze us with his easy going disposition!It was still a long ride back to our camp but faster than it would have been if we went home. The next morning we packed everything up and headed out for a big breakfast at Harvey's Casino. There were a few bumps along the way during the trip but all in all it turned out well...well, at least we thought so. :-)

Happy 4th of July!