JH Ranch, California

Earlier this month, Emily and I got to take a trip out to California to visit JH Ranch, a Christian camp that focuses on enriching relationships between married couples and between parents and their children.

We had all sorts of fun together, and got to sit under the teaching of some very wise people. We climbed ropes courses, played in a lake, went white-water rafting, and otherwise exhausted ourselves. We are told that some photos of us enjoying these things are on their way, but I was too busy having fun to take many myself. What I did, though, was sneak out a few nights after the New Moon and capture the northern California stars.

This is called the Alpine Tower.
It's like an earthy version of rock-climbing.

The lake, with the Blob sitting peacefully.

The Milky Way and the Big Top.

A little over an hour long. 

Finally, the big panoramic of the Big Top. 

Once the pictures of our adventures arrive, we hope to show them to you as well. And, of course, we have to show you the fun the children had while we were away!

KY comes to MA

In late April the Johnsons came from their old Kentucky home to check out life in the Bay State. Much fun was had by all, even if the babies didn't sleep much :)

Visiting the Cape Cod Potato Chips factory was at the top of the list. The girls were being cute and holding hands :)

This turkey decided found it necessary to keep a close eye on us.

And then to stand on the compost pile . . .

We went to Brewster to watch the herring run. It was chilly, but entertainment by the gulls was well worth it.

Do you see any jumping fish? I really could see them when I was taking the picture, but not so much now.

Ms. Meghan braided Sarah's hair one morning.

Funny photo shoot :)

"I'm a big kid!"

He's good :)

National Seashore time.

"CHEESE!!!" :)

Fun times at Heritage Museum and Gardens in Sandwich.

She is in love with the carousel!

So Big!

How big am I? So big!

I sit by myself and play like a big boy now

I love to climb adventurous mountains like Kneecap Peak. 

I'm working on standing

I'm getting pretty good at it!

I make funny faces

And I'm a much better sleeper

Spring Flowers

Things are blooming all around the house once again this year. Come have a look:

First the Daffodils come. We don't have any at our home, but Heritage Gardens and downtown Osterville are full of them.

Next all the trees start to sprout little blossoms that will soon be green leaves. 

Then come the tulips. Most of ours are leftover bulbs from previous years now regenerated. The square next to the church has some beautiful tulips as well. 

Then, in late May, come the rohadendron. We have several of these plants lining the perimeter of our backyard. 

And now, in June, the Dogwood in the back yard is blooming. It get more pink every day. Here is what it looked like a few days ago.

This shot was a mistake, but I still enjoy it