Happy Father's Day!

What was meant to be a day in Yosemite turned into a quading day out at the BLM. Javan came over and spent the first part of the day with us and then in the afternoon we headed up the road with 7 out of 9 kids, a bag of tootsie pops, and three quads in tow. (Michaela and Alex spent his first Father's Day together at home)

Jeremiah knew exactly what we were doing. As soon as we unloaded the four wheelers he was scrambling to get on! Once on, he reached forward for the gas button and was ready to ride!

Maris found a shady spot to rest between turns.

Moriah and Jeremiah sharing a Beatles tune.

Maia was a little too enthused to pose with Maris. Maris, not so much.

Josiah is in constant motion. 110% boy through and through!

Madison and Maris patiently posing for me.

Luckily, Jeremiah picked up this rock and not the piece of poop that was laying right next to it!!

After a few runs up the hill to sneak a peak of Lake McClure (bummer we didn't get a picture), Moriah settled on top of the trunk with her open water diver book; Emily soon joined her with The Physics of Super Heroes.

If we've learned anything during our years of parenting, it's to expect the unexpected. Good thing Josiah had his "sport" shoes on!


After returning home we had a most excellent tri-tip sandwich dinner, if I do say so myself! While the girls were cleaning the kitchen, Mark settled himself on the couch looking out the window trying to spot some rabbits that have taken up residence on our property, suddenly he jumped up and stated, "There goes a big snake." He then ran down stairs to get a shovel and the rest of the family crowded around the window to see the snake slithering under the camping trailer. Emily went out on the deck in order to keep a better eye on the serpent. When Mark emerged from the car port, shovel in hand, she informed him that the rattler was on the other side of the trailer. He carefully went around and quickly separated the head from the rattle. After burying the poisonous head behind our property, Mark once again showed the children what the markings of a rattle snake look like. He again told them what to do if they ever saw one and this time was even able to shake the rattle so they could hear the tell-tale sound of danger.

This was by far the biggest snake we have had to kill and hope that we have finally gotten the one who is responsible for all those smaller rattlers that have plagued us in the past.

What an exciting day! We thank God for the gift of our children and for Him allowing Mark to spot that snake without it being a dangerous confrontation that took us by surprise.