Adam's Adventures: 4th of July Week: Sun, Swimming, S'mores, Sequoias, Seahorses and Biking

After another week of summer camp, we packed up our car and went to R-Ranch in the Sequoias. When Mommy and Daddy told me we were going to a cabin, I thought, "Yay! We will see snow!" because every time I went to a cabin, it was for skiing. Little did I know it would be 100 degrees at the cabin.

Aunt Debbie and Uncle Warren invited us and Bryce's family to the cabin for the 4th of July weekend. Thank you! I had many first's on this trip.

Day 1, Friday, July 1: My First Bike Ride without Training Wheels

After a 6 hour drive, we arrived at the cabin. My first time sharing a house with 13 other people. I love a big crowd.
I asked Daddy to put pedals on my bike and I rode my bike. Just like that!

Day 2, Saturday, July 2: Sun, Swimming and Sunburn

Breakfast - Eggs and hash browns by Chef Uncle Scott and Aunt Susan
More bike rides -- I practiced everyday!

July 2, 2011 - I was biking in front of the cabin every chance I got.

Swimming, swimming, swimming and sunburn -- It was 100 degrees out so we played in the kiddie pool all day
Fishing -- My first fishing "trip" -- I went with Daddy, Uncle Scott and Jack. I caught lots of weed "fish" :-(
S'mores

Day 3, Sunday, July 3: My First Horseback Ride

Breakfast - Blueberry pancakes and bacon by Chef Uncle Warren and Aunt Debbie
Horseback riding with Dr. Brown -- Dr. Brown is Grandpa Dennis' horse and he was very patient with all of us, kids! I'd tell him, "Let's go, Brown." Even Daddy got a chance to ride Dr. Brown.

Here I am riding a horse for the very first time!

Kendra, her Grandpa Dennis and of course, Dr. Brown

Bryce enjoying his ride. "Let's go, Brown!"

Swimming, swimming, and more swimming
Building a dam -- Jack and Josh, the big boys, built a dam in a stream behind the cabin. Hudson and I helped gathering sticks.

Aunt Susan taking a reading break with Bryce and Cooper while some of us are out building a dam

More S'mores -- with some gourmet marshmallows
Playing with my "army men" and police men.

Hudson, Bryce and I had a great time with my army and police men.

Day 4, Monday, July 4: Happy Birthday to my cousin, Shea, and America!

Breakfast - French toast and sausages by Mommy and Daddy

Early in the morning ritual -- All of the kids congregated around Josh and his DS, except Jack and Cooper

Swimming -- Just can't get enough of swimming

Bryce and I were construction workers, fixing the pool. We had to dive! Boy, did we love diving!

Lightning and thunder! A big storm moved in. Kendra and Hudson had to go home. After the storm cleared, Jack, Josh and Uncle Scott went fishing and the rest of us went for a walk.

Jack's big catch

Being silly with Bryce, spraying water in our faces

Day 5, Tuesday, July 5: Giant Sequoia Trees

Walk through the Trail of Hundred Giants & picnic lunch -- We saw giant trees, caterpillars, mushrooms, and a little waterfall. Cooper loved finding walking sticks.

Josh is helping me up on one of the 100 Giant trees. Can you see me?!

I just came out of this giant Sequoia tree. Daddy and Jack are still inside!

We found lots and lots of caterpillars

Mr. Cooper and his stick

Everyone on the trail -- well, except Cooper, Uncle Scott (watching Cooper) and Daddy (taking the picture)

On the drive back home, we decided we should head to Monterey instead. I love vacations!
Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey for dinner, dessert and fun

Day 6, Wednesday, July 6:

Breakfast at First Awakenings in Monterey -- I shared chocolate pancakes with Mommy. The pancakes were as big as plates!
Monterey Aquarium -- I loved jelly fish, sharks, penguins, otters, puffins, sea turtles, seahorses, starfish. Daddy let me take pictures with his camera. Very cool day!