Tahoe & Marshall Gold Discovery Site

On our way home, my brother John and I took our families to the place where the California Gold Rush started -- the Marshall Gold Discovery site in Caloma, California (by Placerville). Our great, great, great (I think that's right) grandfather, James S. Brown, was one of about 17 crew members building a sawmill for Sutter's Mill the day that their boss, Marshall, discovered gold. Grandpa Brown was about 18 years old at the time. We saw pictures of him at the museum, and also the cabin where he and his other Mormon companions lived (they had gone to work at the mill after being in the Mormon Batallion). It was really cool to be in the place that truly made California what it is today, and to know that our ancestor was right there in the beginning. When John asked his daughter Paige if she saw Grandpa Brown's cabin, she said "Yup, and he had some BIG pajamas!". There was a pair of huge red long john's hanging in the cabin.

Lake Tahoe

2010 THOMPSON FAMILY REUNION

Thompson
Family
Reunion

Lake Tahoe
June 26, 2010

















It was so beautiful in Tahoe. It was my first time there, and I can't wait to go back. The water was a bit chilly, but the day was warm, so it was nice.

I'm so grateful for families. We had so much fun, and I can't wait for next year.

This Abled Mom

Check out my new blog www.thisabledmom.blogspot.com. It is an experiment in conversation about being a disabled parent. Please refer it to anyone you know that might be interested.

I will maintain this blog still as my family blog.

Thanks!

California Coast -- February 2010

Pismo Beach Pier

Pismo Beach

San Simeon -- Elephant Seals (I can't post the seal pics -- they're X-rated -- it was mating season)

Claire's 1st Hotel Bed

Queen size for our little Queen. She was quite pleased with herself.

Last weekend we had an amazing 2 day vacation with Steve's family. We drove up the coast to Pismo Beach. We were going to see the monarch butterlies, but because of the rainy weather, we missed them. But, we did do a lot more: Solvang, San Simeon to see the elephant seals, very entertaining animals, Pismo Beach pier, drove through Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo, ate lunch in Cambria at a delicious restaurant called "Linns" -- would recommend it to anyone. The food was amazing and Cambria is a cute little town to drive through.

And most of all, we got to spend time with our family. Claire was a perfect little traveler on her first real road trip. She slept fine in the hotel, well, let's face it -- those beds are a lot nicer than the pack 'n play :)

Not nearly enough....

Claire -- 4 months old (January 2010)

Hanging out with old friends at Christmas. It was so fun to meet Marshall's wife Amber.

Claire & Grandma & Grandpa T.

November -- Standing in line for New Moon, of course. Midnight showing. Steve was a trooper, saving our place in line while my friends and I ran back to our place for dinner and warming up. It was very cold that night. (Claire & Steve didn't go to the movie that night, but they did later)

Not nearly enough time to post all the pictures that would describe the last 3 months. But worth a try.

Blessing Day -- November 1, 2009

Claire's blessing dress was very special -- we borrowed if from her cousin Ellie. It was just too beautiful to pass up. And they share the same birthday, so it's extra special! Ellie was very proud that Claire was wearing her blessing dress. Thanks Angie!


I'm too lazy to get the red-eye out of these pictures, but I will someday. Really.

The blessing was beautiful. Steve is a wonderful dad. It was a beautiful day spent with family and friends. Little Claire sure is loved!