Exploring Ridgecrest area

A couple weeks ago we visited
the Pinnacles of Trona, which
is where parts of the newer
Planet of the Apes movie was
filmed. It was really an
awesome sight, and it also
made for a fun little family
hike (Peka and all : )). It's
only about 30 mins. from our
house, so we plan on taking
Gigi, Pa, and Tracy when they
come and probably anyone else
who comes to visit!



Yesterday we drove over to Calico Ghost Town,
which is about an hour away; it too was a fun
experience. We saw an entertaining 'gun show,'
which left our ears ringing, but it was worth it.
There were a lot of neat little shops with fossils
and things, and of course there was a couple
candy kitchens--we all left feeling a little sick!!






























Well Christmas came and went in the blink of an eye! We want to thank everyone for all of the wonderful, thoughtful gifts! Melissa, I love seeing Brandon and Wes excitedly playing with Mr. Potato head--it brings back my own childhood memories : ). Oh and Gigi, Wes sleeps with his cute little puppy dog EVERY night!!

Wes is having a good time at his play groups and he is making some little friends : ). Right before Christmas we had a wonderful Christmas Party with the play group, with lots of goodies and a fun little gift exchange. Daddy was even able to swing by the party on his lunch break : ). We also started tumbling last week, but I'm not sure he loves the 'structure' part of playing with others!














We do have a little more news-- Tom and I are tossing around the idea of trying for a baby girl while I'm still staying home finishing my school. Obviously it's up to God if we were meant to have a little girl, but we just can't shake the thought-- believe me we've tried!!

I need to start practicing Baseball with Brandon, because we signed him up to start playing on a league this spring. In the beginning of Feb. we have a spaghetti dinner to attend, which will inform us of the team he will be on and who his coach will be.
He is in the early stages of reading right now, so our house has labels all over it (chair, table, sink, etc.) I helped out in his class room on Friday and his teacher, Mrs. McCain, expressed her excitement over his great improvement......yeah the hard work is paying off!!