Day 4

On Day 4 we headed home. On our way home we stopped by Alabama Hills and I got to climb a little for the first time since injuring my ankle. We did some super easy stuff, but it was really fun and nice to be on rock again. Eden tried a little too and seemed to have a lot of fun.

First stop was Schatts bakery. We thought it might be fun to take a pic with Eden in the car. Eden did not think it was fun.

Eden inspecting her first piece of climbing gear.

Eden getting all rigged up.

On toprope. I think this climb was rated 5.3

Eden diggin' the wildflowers

Eden practicing her climbing skills

Eden loved this cave, plus Klamath's snarly face is irresistible.

These baby cows were too cute. We tried to get close enough to pet them but they wouldn't have any of it.

Mt Whitney in the background to the right.

Beat up from a long trip, both the babes are out.

Eastern Sierras

We took our first trip of the season up to the Eastern Sierras. It was quite cold, and at first we were at a bit of a loss as to what we were doing up there, but each day filled itself and we found ourselves to be quite busy and happy in that beautiful place. These pics are from the first day.

Alabama Hills, Lone Pine

(You can see Mt Whitney in the background)

Jon fishing in Owen's River at our campground

Eden learning how to fly fish

Day 2

Snowshoeing/Hiking & Sledding

We did the hike in two parts because as Eden became tired she became less and less of a fan of the sled. We had to turn around and feed her lunch, then we gave it another try, this time with Eden in the backpack on Jon's back. The hike was gradually up hill at 10,000 feet and the goal was to hike in and around the surrounding lakes in the area. We made it to Lake Mary and for some reason I wasn't prepared for it to still be frozen over, so that was a bit of a disappointment, but I was glad to have made it that far at that altitude (and so was Jon, considering his 25-30lb load).

Lake Mary in the background

Eden back at camp being a goofball

Day 3

Day 3 was a very special day for us. We started the day out fishing at Hot Creek where we have fished many times and never caught a fish - this time Jon caught two of the most beautiful trout either of us has ever caught up in the Sierras. The fishing was so good that I was inspired to buy a license so I could fish too, but by the time we went back in the late afternoon/evening the wind was blowing so hard that I could hardly cast my line and the sun glaring on the river so badly that I couldn't see my indicator fly, so I didn't catch any fish but I look forward to going back & trying again. Eden was enthralled with the fish - after Jon caught the first one she stopped playing in the grass and on the rocks & took up her position at the edge of the shore, watching and waiting for the next fish to come out of the water.

Eden in position, waiting for another fish.

Jon has another fish on the hook and Eden is frantically running over to see it.

View of Hot Creek from the top.

Next we went sledding. This was round two of sledding. On the previous day, sledding didn't go so well. This time she had a lot of fun and went down the hill in her sled with Jon and I several times each. She especially warmed up to the idea of sledding when she learned that "dolly" really wanted to go sledding too.

Next we went up to Convict Lake, which is one of the most spectacular places in all of the Sierras, and Jon hiked a little way up a mountain behind the lake and snowboarded down. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures. I tried to video, but none of it came out. We did take a picture of the mountain itself from the fishing area across the way. It is pictured later. Anyway, it was pretty cool that Jon got to snowboard and all went smoothly because it has been at least 6 years since he has been on a snowboard and I always had to drag him into it. I was pretty jealous but very happy for him at the same time.

Eden in her first "squeeze chimney"

The mountain in the middle, called Little Morrison is what Jon hiked up and snowboarded down.

Back at camp, notice Eden and Klamath, both very eager to see me pull a fish out of the water.

Eden chillin' by the fire with her can of green beans. Eden might be the only person I know who enjoys eating green beans for desert.

Day 4 - To Be Continued...

Fish

Diving season has officially started again at the Walla house, and Jon brought home his first fish of the season the other night. It was a nice size white sea bass, nice tasting too. Everyone has enjoyed their share and we have plenty in the freezer for a rainy day.

Below Eden is modeling her very first "puffy" (jacket). We are going up to Mammoth area on Sunday and all the reports promise plenty of snow and chill so I had to buy Eden a few items of warmer clothes as she has grown out of all her old stuff.

Beach Morning

There is always so much happiness when Jon comes home, especially when he has been gone for 3 days in a row. This morning was as ugly as it gets down at the beach, but we all had fun anyway. Especially Eden and especially Klamath who unfortunately is not featured in this segment of pictures as he was too busy chewing on rocks.

Overalls

These were my overalls growing up. Today was the first day I tried them on Eden cause they always looked just so big, and they already look too small on her, I was so disappointed. I have such a bad eye for what is or isn't gonna fit. Oh well. On another note she was smiling pretty good for me this afternoon. That is sort of a first.

Bike

Last time Jon was home, he took Eden on a bike ride, but the chain broke early into the ride. The first morning Jon was away at work this week Eden found her helmet and was wearing it everywhere, saying "bike, bike".

More of Eden and her favorite.

Seaworld

We went to Seaworld with my mom, sister & Easton over the weekend. Eden saw the Shamu show for the first time. And it was so funny, because the first time Shamu jumped out of the water I had the sensation that I was gonna cry, I told Jon & we were laughing about it (I have been pretty emotional lately). Then, Eden was crying, not a sad cry, just tears streaming down her face. Jon and I were astounded. Turns out I had gotten some sunscreen in her eyes and the sun was aggravating it.