Beach Bums

We spent a week and a half in California visiting Daniel's family.  About 1/2 of that trip was spent at Newport Beach where Daniel's extended family rent a beach house every year.  It was a blast!

We had to work on Daniel's farmers tan...

Between 75 proof sunscreen, shade, & Grandma, Conner stayed pretty protected from the sun.

Our Sunday afternoon walk out on the jetty.

Daniel was so cute playing with Ryan, Casey, and Payton in the ocean.  Next year Conner will be able to test the waters with Dad.

(Notice Daniel & Ryan in the background.  Yeah- that wave almost got him!)

Conner was not sure what to think of all the water.  :-)

Conner's latest trick - closing his mouth!  Hurray!

Conner & Sydney.  They are about 9 months apart.

Of course, all of the pictures we took of our family turned out fuzzy, but here's to trying!

Daniel's cousin Heather came to play with us.  Fun!

Conner in his cute sailor boy outfit from our friend Gena.  Thanks Gena!

Conner wore a swim diaper and a rash guard - It is all about Presentation.

In reality he spent most of his time wrapped up to stay warm & asleep.  :-)

Four generation picture- Nana, Grandma, Daniel, and Conner.

We convinced Nana to take a good-bye picture with us.  This one was my favorite.  :-)

We were sad to leave the warm weather, Uncle Jerry's frozen cookies, fudge-cycles, and (of course) all of the family.

Conner's AC System

Infant Car Seat Personal AC System:  Highly recommended when crossing the dessert in 100 + degree weather.  Patent Pending.

Yes - That is a dryer vent duct taped to our dashboard vent.
Yes - It looks a little redneck.
Yes - It worked. (Conner loved it!)

Conner's Favorite Toy

Conner loves the mirror.  It is so funny watch him try to figure out how mom and dad can be in the mirror and behind him.  :-)

More than the mirror he loves his feet.  He discovered them this past month and has been fascinated ever since.  He is on a quest to get his feet in his mouth.  Currently his fluffy diaper prevents that, but I am sure he will find a way eventually.

These are the  most amazing socks.  Conner pulls on them all day and they stay on his feet!  He can stretch them to his mouth, but he can't get them off.

More than the mirror and more than his feet, Conner loves to play with his dad.  Daniel can make Conner giggle so easily.  It is adorable!  

Daniel likes to cover Conner with a blanket and then uncover him.  When ever I fold clothes Conner thinks I am going to play this game with him.  I will hold up a shirt and shake out the wrinkles and Conner laughs because he thinks I will cover him up.  So cute.

Conner's First Hike

Packsaddle Lake

Yesterday we went on a hike with Kristin & Morgan near Teton valley.  It was beautiful!

I have been trying to decide on a hike for a while.  Originally I wanted to hike to a waterfall in Yellowstone.  It was a 16 mile hike.  We decided to go with this one instead.  5 miles round trip.  :-)

Daniel and I took turns with Conner.  I carried him in my front carrier on the way up.  This is how he spent the majority of the hike:  

There was a rope swing into the lake.  Daniel thought Conner should try it first.  :-)

Daniel was a little afraid at first, but we talked him into giving it a try.

He had a good audience

My two boys.  Don't they look alike?

The lake was a beautiful blue/green color.

It was a pretty steep decent into the lake.  We took it really slow on the way out.  Conner was tired and fell asleep on the climb up.  What a trooper.

I hope we can go on several more hikes this summer.  We are in the market for a good back packing baby carrier.  My shoulders and arms are pretty sore.  Any suggestions? 

Kristin is staying with us Sunday and Monday to celebrate the 4th.  We are super excited to have her with us.  happy 4th of July!