Camping Shenanigans

Memorial Day in our family means a camping getaway.. this year with my side of the family.  Grammy, GrampC, Uncle Matt and his family of four.  We ventured to a new (to us) campground in El Dorado County on the American River - Camp Lotus.  We got out late thanks to some last minute work on my part and then a boatload of traffic, so we made it to the campground close to 9pm.

So the next morning we got things started early.  Breakfast, mimosas and some Catch Phrase (well the kids did without the alcohol).

L-R: Avery & Drew

Matt just found my camera

A little whiffle ball before the days adventures

Bird Invasion

After cleaning up from breakfast we made our way out for a day of wine tasting.  I forgot my camera so all of the pictures are from my cell phone.

The ladies L-R: Grammy Kathie, Auntie Rana, Me

David Girard Winery

The Kids Keeping Cool & Occupied

The Happy Couple

Family Photo

Wine Club Member area

View from the Wine Club Member Area

Gold Hill Winery & Brewery - Adrina & Drew

Miss Avery

Daddy, Drew (and Adrina)

Stop #3, Nello Olivo Winery

 The best thing that happened this trip was when Auntie Rana suckered GrampC into trying the cinnamon challenge.  There was a ramekin of cinnamon near a jug of sangria and it got Rana & GrampC talking about what you could do with it.  Rana dared GrampC to see if he could eat a tablespoon full of cinnamon without drinking anything or coughing it up.  Here's the video of what happened:





Poor GrampC...

Group Photo (no Drew)
L-R: Matt, Rana, Grammy, Avery, Adrina
Back: Dave, Me, GrampC

After a day winetasting we made our way back and found the American River - across the street from our campsite.

Adrina, Drew, Me

Uncle Matt & Avery

While we were on the shore we saw a "rock bar" where we could try and stake claim the next day.  And that's just what we did.  We spent the entire day in the water enjoying the scenery and beverages.

Uncle Matt & Adrina on the Rocks

Matt & I (rafters in the background)

Such tough guys

Adrina & Drew

Uncle Matt, Auntie Rana & Adrina (Avery was napping)

Family Shot

The American River

Battle of the Cold Ones

Random Rock Art

Avery finally woke up from her nap

This was a great campsite that was one of the least expensive to go to.  We'll be back for sure!

Baseball Season Wrap-up

Playing catch-up on a few blog entries... this one from May when Drew finished up his Rookie Baseball Season with the Yankees.

Here are a few pictures from the team parent from throughout the season..

L-R: Team Parent and Dave

Drew on First Base

From the final game of the season....

And here are my photos... I admit I mostly did video this game.

And the video - finally first video of the season I believe.  I saved it for the last game.  Drew had three at bats, and he shows off his switch hitting.  Keep in mind they don't get strikeouts and everyone gets to first base and runs all bases (no outs).

Here's his first at bat:




And his 2nd at bat (he was the final batter this inning so he gets a "grand slam":



Yes he hit the first pitch.... and was the final batter of the Yankee Rookie Season.

And his 3rd and Final at bat:




Team Cheer!  Hurray for a great season.

And a couple shots from the end of season party a few days later.

Drew is center right (wearing light blue Dodger shirt)

And Drew with this trophy and coach... Dad.