Heading home for Departure

 had to stop in Yosemite on our way home - didn't have time to climb Half Dome or El Capitan but Half Dome is on the list.

 Bridalveil Falls - so beautiful

Base of El Capitan - it's a long and difficult hike just to get to a spot where you can start to climb

 El Capitan just waiting to be climbed

Water falls all around the Park, Half Dome in the distance.  It's massive when you get up close
This is a view from the tunnel as you first come into the valley with Bridalveil Falls on the right.

Wendy and I drove from Yosemite over to Napa Valley for the night.  It is a long road but beautiful country, farming, vineyards, lakes and ranching.  Beautiful rolling hills.  We spent the next few days driving up through California, Oregon, Washington and over to Spokane, then up to Invermere.  We arrived Monday evening and spent a few days getting clothes and our home organized.  We will spend time here in Invermere and over in Calgary over the next 5 weeks as we get ready to fly to Provo to the Missionary Training Centre on June 9th.  We are very excited to get going as it's been almost 8 months working on visas and getting ready to go serve.

Newport Beach Marriott - Palm Springs Desert Springs

Wendy and I have enjoyed the past week at the Newport Marriott with Dave. Lisa and kids.  We did some hiking, swimming (lots of swimming), games and activities 4-5 times a day for the kids, Crystal Cove beach, and some great relaxing time.

Our pool for the week

one of many daily activities for the kids with a sprinkle of swimming and ice cream floats each day.

Brady was interested in driving the other kids around the complex - not going to happen

Another one of the activities - shaving cream design

Breakfast at Rose Bakery one morning - yum, granola - yogurt - bananas - strawberries

 Crystal Cove Beach with the kids

Audrey taking pictures of the caves at the end of the beach.  

Golfing in Palm Springs at the Shadow Ridge Golf course.  94 degrees - Wendy has been hard to beat the past few days.  I'm down 3 strokes after 36 holes so tomorrow I will need to play like Bubba Watson

 Of course after a tough day at the course you need a great Mexican meal at EL Gallito's a family business for years here in Palm Springs just on Hwy 111.  If you are ever in the area it's a must.

Doesn't she just look like she just beat me for the second round in two days.  Watch out tomorrow.

Daily grind in Southern California

Wendy and I start our day with a long walk in the hills around Ladera Ranch.  There are many trails through the neighbourhoods as well as up and down the hills and ravines.  We try and get 10 -12 Km each morning.

We like this trail because when we get to the end we can see the beach at Dana Point.

We then jump on our beach cruisers and ride over to the pools ( about a block or so) for our daily swim

Ladera has a few beautiful pool areas, and this one is real close to Dave and Lisa home.

We have gone from 10 lengths to 44 lengths so we are getting a little better at the swim portion of our workout.

Hey, after any workout you have to have something good to eat once in awhile so we head over to Dana Point for the famous Shwack burger

I know it seems wrong but you got to admit it looks good and by the way it is good.  Yum

                          Then the afternoon gets busy with taking the boys to the pool again.

                                                   Scout activities - Carter Saunders

Then there is always homework.  Carter doing his reading assignment with Brady learning the ropes.