Passing Time

 We've tried to keep our days busy this summer and, until this week, we've done good job of going on outings several times a week.  One attraction we couldn't miss was seeing the "Endeavour" down at the California Science Center in Exposition Park.  After retiring the shuttle, NASA flew it into LAX sometime last year and paraded it through the streets of LA en route to the museum, where it could be enjoyed by all for a small fee of $2.

Cali was chosen as her final resting place in part because she was assembled here in SoCal back in the 90's, after the Challenger disaster.  Endeavour made 25 missions, I believe, and was named for Captain James Cook's ship, the Endeavour.  It was cool to see something so massive up close and realize where it had been.  Because the Museum is in the process of creating a permanent exhibit, there is hope that eventually people will be able to get closer and possibly go inside some parts of the ship.  We were all struck by the spongy look of the white paneling, and the thickness of the heat tiles.

We had hoped to get to all of the exhibits, along with about 10,000 other ppl and summer camp groups that day.  We had a prolonged stop at the aquarium area because Brooke was entranced.

I've NEVER seen her hold this still for anything other than sleep.  She stayed here until I moved her out of the way of a crushing throng of summer camp kids.

Sadly, the electricity totally went out right after this and the museum closed early, which was odd considering it was only mildly warm that day.  But at least we got a head start on traffic!

Another day we took advantage of the cooler weather and headed out to Vasquez Rocks in Agua Dulce, so named for the 19th century bandit, Mr. Vasquez, who hid his stolen horses in these rocks.  Ali and Susie will remember the thrill of bringing 5 small children over these rocks, 2 of which (Grayson and Ben) were in backpacks.  I was surprised at how easy it was this time, not carrying 2 year old Grayson.

The kids were up this high before Lee and I got out of the car.  He had to run up after them just to get a picture!

Can you see Brooke and me?

My ever-cautious Carissa.

There we are!  Brooke would have nothing to do with the pack without a fight.

 
Almost to the top!   There are so many different ridges and formations that you could spend hours exploring them all.  We stayed until the sun broke through the clouds and became too hot.

 Of course, summer wouldn't be complete without trips to the beach.  This has been the summer of volleyball training for Carissa.  She has been working hard with Lee, having taken a huge interest in the sport. She's improving rapidly, too!

We'll see how long the father/coach thing works out, though.  Prediction:  not much longer.

"Dad, come swim with us."  Not when the water is about 68 degrees, boys.

Carissa getting out of the sand.

 

 

Derek always wants to race.  Lee still lets him know who the Alpha Male is, but I am long past being able to out sprint this boy.  Sad.

Doing their "wall sits"

And no summer would be complete without a backyard fire and campout.  We had FHE this night and made s'mores.

And after sleeping 3 nights in bear country at Wright's lake in tents, they all got scared at about 11:30 and came in to sleep in their own beds. Seriously?!?  What am I raising here?  City kids??

The local park is always a great place to finish up the day.  They have free swimming from 3-6 everyday and if you're 8 or older (or just happen to look like you're 8- wink, wink), you can go without a parent!  Although swimming at a city pool means mostly being afraid that the 15 lifeguards are going to yell at you ( "don't run!", "don't dive", "don't splash!", "don't go under the ropes!", "don't breathe!!!")", the kids like to do tricks off the platform ( but you must jump STRAIGHT OUT! Lee discovered this when he got yelled at after doing a can opener on the lifeguard standing to the side) and they like to swim in a really deep pool. Most days we take along the only neighbor friend the boys have, Aracelis, who is 10.

 They finish it up with a round of tag on the playground equipment and, on this day, Grayson just pooped out and fell asleep on the wall.

I gotta say, after this summer, that's exactly how I feel.  I think I'm ready for the craziness of school! ...well, sort of.