Heading to Mammoth over Memorial weekend was definitely NOT a mistake.

Several FEET of snow dumped down. We are standing at the top of this actually very tall sign! :) Last December, we had to look up to see the words Mammoth Mountain.

Fresh, virgin powder. There is great delight in etching those first lines. :)

He’s starting to take off without us. And this is the trip where he got the “ah-ha” moment with turns. Towards the end of the few days, we had to chase him down a few times. :P

Whatcha got in that cup holder there?

We stayed on the main strip of Mammoth this time since there isn’t ski in/out spring skiing. It was easy access to all the shops and restaurants.

He loved this store with a bunch of games and random fun stuff.

There was a little creek and forest behind our lodge.

Local coffee shop on our last day before driving back.

Mmmmm, matcha say?

They also do their own coffee roasting.

On the way back home, we visited Hot Creek Geological Site, known as the “Yellowstone of CA”.

It contains dozens of boiling hot springs that bubble up within the walls of a river gorge.

We did the short hike that runs along the creek.

The wind rustling through this field of flowers somehow spoke to us. :D It’s the little things!

Close up of the flora.

Those snow-capped Sierra mountain peaks in the background. Yes, they are real. :)

When there are rocks, this boy will want to climb, haha.

See ya again soon!

A hike to Black’s Beach. Daddy’s done it before but it was E’s first…

Oh to be in high school and enjoying prom night… Great place for photos!

We took a long winding path back to our car but it was a nice stroll.

Casually browsing some patio furniture for when our landscaping is done… Delays, as expected.

Another year for Daddy.

Continuing the tradition? We traded blue for grey/white. Guess we’re getting old, haha.

Headed to Ocean Beach for a kite festival.

Decorated and made his own.

Perfect day for flying.

Just cruisin’ along… living it to the fullest.

Picnic @ school. So glad E has adjusted so well and made many friends.

The Hurley boys. This kiddo needed a pic in the yearbook so we volunteered to take one w/ him.

New friends invited us to SeaWorld with their guest privileges. We had considered getting season passes but thought we’d rotate from year to year.

We hadn’t gone since E was 2 or 3 so it as nice to be back.

He still doesn’t like the up and down rides. :P

Dippin’ dots break.

Are you there, Penguin Dan? :)

Baaaaaaby Beluuuuuga.

Checked out a garden festival.

Old fashioned trolley complete with conductor from the parking to the venue was a nice ride.

His Forrest Gump pose. :D

Learned about composting — they were more interested in the worms, lol.

Rock painting is very calming.

Becoming a normal Cali, Acai cravin’ dude… :))

First “big boy” heerrrrrcut @ a (non-kiddie) barber shop.