Lyndsey Learns Something New!

I have finally, FINALLY, learned how to crop pictures on my camera! Yay! And I've only owned this camera for a year. Seriously, did you really expect me to read every single page of the owner's manual? Just tell me what button to push to take the picture please. So I went a little, tiny bit, crazy cropping all the pictures that I had not erased and here they are. Oh, and plus this gives me the opportunity to tell you of our beach trip last week.



Compared to last year's beach trip, this was a thousand percent better. Not once did hear, "There's sand on my hands!" or "The water's getting me!" or "The sunshine is touching my skin!" One small step for man, one giant leap for the Hermanson family, is all I've got to say.



Only once did I have to get the sand out of Ryder's eyes. Yes, I took the pictures before helping him. Hey, he wasn't crying!


Eden scored lots of big sister points by going out into the freezing water with the kids.



So, I have to say I am really looking forward to going back. (ahem, Rose, hint hint :))

Chloe's Preschool Graduation

Chloe graduated from Valley Community Chapel's preschool about 2 weeks ago. She's been attending there for a little over 2 years now and really has enjoyed every minute of it.

Chloe with her teachers, Ms. Aileene and Ms. Virgie.


Chloe receiving her Bible from the pastor.


Chloe is very excited about starting kindergarten next year. We've already been to the school twice to register and do a quasi-interview. She could barely sit still. Ryder will be attending the same preschool as Chloe and already feels like a veteran. He's done all the field trips, some twice, and knows all the teachers and they know him. I'm sure I won't know what to do with my alone time while they are in school...well that's a lie....probably Facebook!:)

Has it been a month already???

Okay, okay, I must admit that Facebook has taken over my life therefore I have not done much with this blog. My apologies. So last weekend, we went camping with Aaron's brother and his family in Idyllwild. I was kind a dreading it at first because I'm not a roughin' it kind of gal and we were going to be there for TWO WHOLE NIGHTS! But let me tell ya, it was great. The kids had a blast playing with their cousins, it was not bone cold at night, and the bathrooms were not bad at all! Plus, the campground was close enough to town that we could walk to the townsquare.

J.J. brought some excellent toys to play with and so both were thoroughly entertained.

And of course, Barbie tagged along.

Then Aaron took the kids on an adventurous hike.

....a mid-afternoon snack.




Some things that were not captured on film that I wish had been:

1. Anna crashing her bike into a manzanita tree. Not funny then of course.
2. Katie taking an awesome tumble then getting up (without crying) with pine needles sticking out of her hair.
3. Anna and Chloe complaining that the squirrels were "laughing at them." Tattle-telling knows no bounds.

Happier Days and Tasty Goodness

We are deeply saddened to report that Tico was killed this morning by a coyote in our frontyard. Rather than go into details, I just wanted to share a few photos of Tico. I have had many dogs throughout my life, but he will always be remembered as one of the most loyal and friendly without a doubt. Tico was the kind of dog that even caused "non-dog lovers" to reconsider their position on dog ownership. We have often been told by many, "If you ever want to get rid of him for some reason, we'll take him!" Thanks for the good times little buddy.

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Good Morning....I think

I usually determine what kind of day we are going to have by the first thing I hear when I wake up. This morning it was this:

"Ryder! Come in the bathroom, RIGHT NOW, and smell it!"

Griffith Park

While Eden was here for spring break, I talked Aaron into driving to LA to visit Griffith Park. We had a great time! Here are some pictures from our trip.


This was taken at a park called "Shane's Inspiration." The little girl in the middle followed Chloe and Ryder around almost the entire time we were there.

Then we headed over to the LA Zoo. I loved this zoo. It is not as big as the one in San Diego which was nice because we didn't have to pick up the kids as often. Plus, the weather was so wonderful most of the animals were out and about instead of hiding under the bushes for shade.

Here's Ryder expressing his love for kettle corn. I think he ate most of the bag.

Here's Chloe at the chimp exhibit. She thought they were quite hilarious.

This is why she was laughing. Then she saw one pooping off the top of the rocks and she thought THAT was even more hysterical. I didn't get a picture of that though.

More chimp observation.

After the zoo, we went to the Griffith Park Observatory where the most exciting event of the day occurred. I saw, with my own eyes, the HOLLYWOOD sign! Since this trip I been informed by most of my friends about how dorky I am. Oh well, I am still excited that I saw the HOLLYWOOD sign. Seriously.

Can you see it? No, not Ryder's white belly, the HOLLYWOOD sign!


Aaron and Eden. I think it's a cute picture but Eden thinks otherwise.

A view of Los Angeles from the Observatory.

Chloe and Ryder really weren't too interested in the Observatory. They are still too young right now to enjoy learning how the Earth rotates on its axis or how big stars are. I wouldn't mind spending more time here without the kiddos.

Overall, it was a great daytrip. Can't wait to go back!