Snorkeling at La Jolla Cove

I was so excited to take my boys snorkeling for the first time at La Jolla Cove. Unfortunately, it was a little overcast and cold when we arrived (although it was in the 90s inland, back by our house). Sometimes San Diego can vary 20 degrees or more from coast to inland to mountains.
The tide was low when we arrived and the kids had fun bouncing all over the rocks. Soon the tide came in and covered most of the areas they were playing in.


Aleya played on the rocks under Dad's supervision.

The kids loved the tunnel that was filled with tide pools.

Joseph took to snorkeling like it was second nature. With our new diving snorkels, he was diving all over the place trying to catch the fish. The visability was surprisingly good, despite it being overcast.

We ventured out pretty far with Joseph and his friend, Nigel, whom we brought along. Orrin was a little more timid and so Christian stuck closer to the shore with him. I wished I had a wetsuit because the water was a bit frosty (only 68 degrees).


If you look in the back of the photo, you'll see a couple of sea lions that we were snorkeling with . . . though they were at least 30 feet away at all times.

Annual Ward Pinewood Derby and Chili Cook-off

We entered 4 cars and one pot of chili in this year's annual Ward Pinewood Derby and Chili cook-off. Men, women, and girls can enter the race, right alongside the boys.
Joseph had a friend, Sam, who lives up the street join us in making a car and racing it. He's in the #12 shirt.

Joseph made an old fashioned Rolls Royce looking car.

Guess who nearly won again? You guessed it. AMARA! She took second this year. She lost by an inch. It came down to the coin toss and lane choice. The winner, Haley Bone, won the coin toss and lane choice. We won lane choice last year and Amara won, with Haley taking 2nd last year. WOW! Was it close!

Christian made sure all the cars were aligned properly on the tracks, to give the cars the best shot at winning. Christian and I stayed up until 2 in the morning for several nights to get everything ready: wheels, axels, and paint. If you are at all into the Pinewood Derby scene, you should rent "DOWN 'N DERBY." We rented it again an watched it that night, after the races. It reminded us about the 5 most competitive families in our neighborhood that compete in the race each year. HILARIOUS! It's funnier the second time you watch, I think.

Joseph's first overnight Scout Camp.

Joseph had to gear up to go on his first overnight Scout Camp with his troop and a 5 mile hike.

It was at the Slagel Farm in San Marcos.
They built a huge bonfire in true Boy Scout fashion. "Bigger is better."

They passed off several requirements and earned a merit badge or two.

Orrin's Cub Scout Raingutter Regatta

There was a lot of tough competition this year at our Raingutter Regatta.

Every competition needs some cheerleaders!
We usually go online to get the latest and greatest tricks to win the Pinewood Derby, but we never thought of doing that for the Raingutter Regatta, until now! I got a great tip to glue the rudder on upside down. It makes it so the boat doesn't tip very much. As a result, Orrin WON!

The finals! Orrin vs. Walker. Orrin's boat never tipped once, and that clinched his victory.