Summer Camp

Kyla and I drove Casey up north yesterday, to a beautiful christian camp called Daybreak. He has been really excited to join his friends from church for a week away from home. I took this picture because there is a deer in the background to the left of the sign...not sure how well you can see it. Kyla and I spent the first few hours at the camp helping Casey get settled in and checking out the facilities. I was amazed at how many great activities were planned in just the first few hours! Kyla and I had planned to stay the first night, but once I realized I was the only mom left there, we decided to say our goodbyes after dinner.

Every day the kids will participate in a praise and worship service with lots of singing and a bible-based message from Pastor Matt, our youth pastor at Calvary Chapel. It was great to see the kids eagerly digging into their bibles and listening to the word of God. This year they called the experience "Camp Rock". I'm excited to see Casey grow into a deeper relationship with our Savior this week.

The camp is situated in a small redwood forest. These aren't the biggest redwoods I've ever seen, but they sure beat the trees we see around the peninsula.

Casey and the other boys in his cabin, the "Blue Sapphires", decided to build a bridge out of fallen sticks during their free time this week. I can't wait to see what it looks like by Friday!

After check-in, Casey tried out the pool. It was nice to take a dip since it's about 15 degrees hotter in Felton than we are used to here in Monterey.

A super-soaker water gun was one of the needed supplies on the camp packing list. Casey and the other boys in his cabin made good use of them right off the bat. It's only Tuesday and I can't imagine being away from my little man until Friday, but I am very excited about the opportunity for him to develop some independence and grow spiritually.

Busy kids

Wow, it's been a really long time since we've posted! Our kids have been very busy during their last week of school. Kyla recently competed in a swim meet with her school and came away with several ribbons! She won 4th place in the backstroke, 3rd place in the butterfly stroke, and 1st place in the freestyle! We are so proud of our little mermaid.
Casey thought he won the jackpot when his teacher chose him to take care of Gizmo, the bearded dragon, for the summer. She has been lots of fun, and we are really enjoying having an extra pet in the house for a couple of months.

Jake has taken to Gizmo as well. He's a jealous little puppy, but doesn't mind sharing the limelight once in a while.

Field Day

We decided to have a family field day over the weekend. We took to the field with frisbee horseshoes, jumpropes, a basketball, and of course, the football.
Despite the wind, we had a lot of fun throwing the frisbee horseshoes. This day it was "brown eyes" vs. "blue eyes".

Casey and I, also known as "blue eyes", held our own. Casey was the big scorer on this game!

Kyla schooled us all in a friendly game of horse, but Casey showed us a few moves as well.

Olympic Games

Brandon and I were able to go with Kyla this year to the Monterey County Special Olympics. Kyla spent her time between events interviewing other athletes about their experience.

Kyla's first event was the standing long jump. Here she is mid-jump!

Getting measured...

Kyla's second event was the softball throw. She has quite the arm!

Here is video of Kyla's final event.....the 100 meter dash. She is the second from the left. I don't think anyone had a chance against her long legged best buddy, Xavier, but she held her own! We were so proud!

Carmel River Beach

We decided to enjoy the unseasonable 80 degree weather at the Carmel River Beach. This is a beautiful area where the Carmel River runs into the sea. There is usually a lagoon that the kids love to swim in, but we were surprise to see it all dried up! Hopefully it will return soon! The kids had fun being able to walk across the river since it was so low.

Kyla and Casey rode their air mattresses down the river.

Kyla drifting out to sea..........

She saved herself!

Caseynator, el Luchador

Weighing in at a stout 70 pounds of muscle and hailing from Monterey, California, is the fearsome luchador, the Caseynator.

Taking inspiration from the wrestling epic, Nacho Libre, Caseynator emerged to take on any who would oppose his wrestling prowess. As one takes in his awesome form, all must wonder, "Who is that masked man?" Does anyone dare challenge him?

Kyla was the first to take on the Caseynator.....poor girl. Don't worry, she is recovering.

Another masked man emerged to challenge the Caseynator, but he, too, was soon left begging for mercy. The paparazzi are in love with the Caseynator. An exclusive and rare clip of the Caseynator appears below.

Fun with the Owens Clan

We had so much fun with Brandon's parents and his grandma this past week. Here are a few more pictures to highlight some of our good times.
Casey makes it look a lot warmer than it actually was!

Kyla and Casey enjoying some quality time with grandma.

The kids with their Great Grandma Smith at Asilomar Beach.

Jake decided to come along and take a swim in the ocean.

Seaside Beach

Our beautiful girl.....

We are having a WONDERFUL spring break visit with Brandon's parents and the grandma we lovingly call "Smith". We went out to Seaside Beach to watch the sunset.
This picture is 'so' Casey. From the sassy look on his face to the dirty legs....that's my boy!

Relaxing and taking it all in.

One, two, three......kick up!

Trek to Utah

I just recently returned from a trip to Utah. Sadly, I returned for the funeral of my dear Grandpa Mendenhall. He died at the age of 91 after a long and fruitful life. I am saddened by the occasion of my return home, but thoroughly enjoyed the time I was able to spend alone with my parents.
This is my Grandma and Grandpa Beardall. (ignore me in my PJs!)

My beautiful, vibrant mom and I took a drive up to Zion National Park and hiked up to see the three Emerald Pools. It was such a blessing to spend time with just her.

It was a beautiful hike and a great time to rejuvenate my mind and soul.

Double Digits

Our little man turned 10 years old today!

Kyla made Casey an oreo ice cream filled chocolate cake for his birthday. She could give Dairy Queen a run for their money!

Casey showing off some of his loot!

A boy with a credit card......thankfully it has a limit!

CW3 Owens

I spend a lot of time on this blog bragging up the kids, and now it's time to brag up the daddy! Brandon amazes and inspires me on a regular basis with the way he lives his life. Not only is he the most loving husband and caring father, but he is always working toward bettering himself as a person. Brandon was promoted to CW3 (Chief Warrant Officer 3) this week, attaining yet another goal that he set for himself. I am so proud, and wanted to share some pictures of the ceremony with you!
This is Brandon's Operations Officer from the battalion in Fort Lewis helping me pin on the new rank.

Congratulations Bran....you earned it!

Short update

Brandon and I have been extremely busy the last couple of weeks at work and have not being doing very well at keeping up the blog, so I just wanted to post a few quick pictures to let you know what we have been up to. Kyla won the Principal's Award at school along with only a few other students......4.0 baby!

Grandpa Mendenhall sent the kids some really funny stories he wrote for them, and it was the highlight of the their week. They worked on writing some comic strips to send back to him.

Casey reading his story from grandpa.

Kyla has been a sushi lover for the last couple of years, and it's her favorite treat for a special occasion. We usually go the mild route, but got very adventurous the other night with some raw eel, tuna, salmon, and some other interesting things. I made a point of telling Casey he didn't have to eat it all, but I wanted him to at least try a small bite of each type. Turns out, he was much braver than I, and ate everything on his plate!

We took another hike through the forest and along the coast at Point Lobos. We have really come to enjoy the beauty of that place. The kids found a natural seesaw.

Brandon and I found a cave. That's our last couple of weeks in a nutshell! We miss you all.