What's been going on in Garcia-ville?

Apparently I have a lot of catching up to do since I decided to go on Blogging Sabbatical!! We have been up to lots since we saw you last. The kids decided to look into some new career options. Morgan wanted to be on the front lines doing the hands on work while Austin decided to look into management positions with the Fire Department.

We have been spending some quality time with our Cousin Paiton.

And just hanging around town.

Morgan has developed a new passion for Cheer Leading and is the, self appointed, head cheer leader for his soccer team. GO PANTHERS!!

Needless to say Austin enjoys the accolades and enthusiasm from his sister while he's on the field.

Austin's skills have improved dramatically even since the beginning of the season. He has even scored his first GOOOOOOAAALLL!!!!

If it's even possible I think Raumi has even gotten a little cuter since we last updated.

Morgan got a little more brave as the summer went along. Who knows, maybe by next summer we will have TWO independent swimmers?

Austin was a super stud in the pool and we are sad to see the warm weather go. Maybe he will be our first official member of the Polar Bear Club in December?

Morgan started Pre-School and is extremely happy with her class.

While Morgan practices her "hail Mary's" in Pre-School Austin is working his way into being Bi-Lingual. Kindergarten Spanish class has proven to be quite a hit with Senior Garcia and he continues to make many new amigos!! Vamanos!!!

It's not summer if you don't visit Brawley!

Summer wouldn't be official without a trip to Brawley in August!! The good news was that the breeze was blowing off the local glacier so it never got over 110 degrees. You know you have had your grey matter in the sun too long when you call that a cooling trend!!

The heat didn't seem to bother Shor-Tee too much A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E!!!!!!!

Mom and her Sancho on Lifeguard duty.

A rare pic of the kids sitting still and me on the other side of the camera.

This is called a "Brawley Sandbox".

Morgan going for a ride on Penny. She may have the horse bug. I figure her Uncle Patrick can provide the feed, her Pappa Mike can provide the boarding and her Mother J can provide the lessons...and they say horse ownership is expensive :-)

Penny thinking she might be having corgi for lunch.

The dogs thought they could keep up with Penny. Needless to say Raumi was smart enough to sideline herself, while Shor-Tee almost ran himself into K-9 Cardiac Arrest!!

Kids first camping trip.

We took the kids on their first official camping trip. They loved it and are already asking when we will be going back. Grandpa and Grandma Garcia with the kids in front of a fully loaded "six shooter". That's what we nicnamed Grandpa Garcia's truck.

We had a great campsite in a large open area for the kids to run around in and a beautiful meadow.

Morgan got stuck in the muck so G-Pa' Garcia had to rescue her.

They were too cute.

Austin conquering another rock.

This was right before the s'mores. Morgan devoured hers, Austin discovered he just liked the chocolate.

Cheeeeezin' in front of our tent.

They went for a little jaunt.

Morgan looking for the squirrel that took Austin's hat :-)

Here and there

Austin is now a full time swimmer!! And Morgan has officially started Pre-School. Austin & Adrian getting a work-out at Mimi's house.

Miss Pai' turned 4 & celebrated with a little Beiber Fever.

Tia taking the kids for a ride.

Miss Morgan packed for her first day of school. She's got her sleep sack and her lunch box, watch out teachers.

Morgan in front of the pre-school garden. She did great, she was not nervous at all and didn't shed a tear.

Exploring Elevation

Usually when I update the blog I overwhelm my viewers with pictures of my kids in different places and with funny faces. After this trip I found myself posting more pictures of the place than the people. We took a trip over Tioga Pass just to sight see. We started in Bass Lake, made the trip over and stayed the night in Bridgeport. Then next morning we turned around and headed back to Bass Lake. The pictures do not even begin to capture the view, but here's my best shot. Night #1 at the cabin. Mom and Dad chilling on the deck.

Yeah, Pappa J baffled us as kids too.

The Ladies posing in front of some serious granite.

Austin was so jazzed to see his first waterfall up close and personal. He insisted that we saw 20 waterfalls on our trip.

Told you the kids loved the falls.

Austin & Morgan at about 9,000 feet. The cool thing is that the peeks behind us are the peeks of the massive mountain structures that you can see from miles away.

This was our pick nick spot. We were serving fresh deli sandwiches with all the fixings. And like a proper grandmother, Mother "J" provided the Oreos.

It was cool to see trees just sprout out of the middle of the rocks. Makes me wonder why nothing in my backyard can grow at sea level in nutrient rich soil, but these massive creatures can survive on a pure granite diet. I think I may be doing something wrong.

Mother J at 9,000+ feet.

Just another beautiful spot on the way.

My favorite picture of the trip, the back side of half dome. I had no idea I was going to see this, it literally took my breath away.

We even found a little snow at 9,945 feet.

We made it!!

I was the only one who was so fascinated by this bridge. They kept calling it "my bridge", I do have to admit I had quite a few pics of this civil engineering cherry.

This is in Bridgeport where we stayed the night. Great little town, hope I can find an excuse to return sooner than later.

Morgan bustin' a move in front of my favorite rock.

And Austin surfing in front of my favorite rock.

No comment necessary.

I smell Christmas card potential!!

I love this one too.

Upper Yosemite Falls.

A little friend we made on our walk to Lower Yosemite Falls.

Austin the Adventurer in front of Lower Yosemite Falls. He wore his Life Guard jacket just in case anyone fell in.

Miss Morgan in front of Lower Yosemite Falls. The hike for the rest of us was about .5 miles. For her I think it was closer to two miles. She decided to create her own switch back trail while chasing "flutter flies".

Mom and I in front of Lower Yosemite Falls. Austin was not invited to be in the picture; however, the lack of invitation made it all that more enticing.

Austin really wanted to get up this rock so that he could slide down the other side. He tried and tried and with a little perseverance and support from friendly hikers he made it. He looked just like his mom slithering up that rock.

Still working at it.

Austin at the top of the rock looking down and wondering what in the BLEEPITY BLEEP did he get himself into!Yeah, finally making the journey down . Way to go bud!!