Two More Birthday Celebrations and Overheating

We drove straight from Sunriver to Redding, California.  Because we have been extra enthusiastic about hiking lately, we decided to stop by and visit Castle Crags State Park.  When we pulled up to the entrance, we were welcomed by smoke coming in through our vents (and a gage that indicated our car was EXTREMELY overheated).  We let our car cool while we were on our hike and then coasted to Redding with windows down, heater on, and a radiator tank full of water.  Did I mention that it was at least 110 degrees in Redding?

We were "trapped" in Redding for longer than planned while we got our radiator and water pump replaced.  In some ways, it was a blessing in disguise.  We got to spend more time with my brother, Todd, and his wife, Ericka.  The weekend went by too fast.

While in Redding we got to celebrate Jacob's birthday twice.  Jacob really wanted to go to Chuck E Cheese's (even though he had never actually been there - but it is the talk of kindergarten).  Being the grandma that she is, my mom was more than willing to take us there.  We had a blast playing the games and trying to get as many tickets as possible ( all for the kids of course :) ).  

Later that same day, we had a barbecue with family to celebrate Jacob's birthday one last time.  It is always good to spend time with family.  

Jacob gave birthday wishes to everyone in attendance at the extended family birthday party (the last of the celebrations), as he received their gifts.  Here are some of the wishes I recorded:

Uncle Jerry and Aunt Sue:  Run faster than a cheetah

Bella and Emmy:  Be falcons (for your information, falcons are the fastest animals on earth)

Uncle Brian and Aunt Tina:  Jump over a store with a bike

Uncle Todd and Aunt Ericka:  Ride on a bike on top of everything.  On top of the road, the trees, leaves, and fish.

Uncle Larry and Aunt Elizabeth:  I think I was so excited about their present that I forgot to write down his wish for them!

Uncle Troy and Aunt Joelene:  A cartwheel in the air

Grandma and Grandpa Jones:  Jump out of the earth  (Jacob still dreams of being an astronaut).

The beautiful Castle Crags

Mount Shasta.  Or as Claire likes to call it - "Mountain Shasta".

Let's hope this works!

I am so impressed with Jacob's bike riding abilities.  This is at the skate park close to Todd and Ericka's house.

Oh, how we love Nico.

At Chuck E Cheese's, if you dance with the mouse, you can earn free tickets.  It is always frustrating when you have to compete with the 50 year olds that are also in the picture.

Love it.

I remember riding this same ride...

The ballers.

I imagine this same face when Jacob and Claire each start driving.

My Aunt Tina also had a birthday recently.

Thanks Bella!

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa Jones!  Jacob is currently on the fifth "Magic Tree House" book.

Claire and Olivia also received some presents.  Our family spoils these kids :).

Thanks Todd and Ericka!  (autographed books!)

These are Tony Hawk!!!  In case you are wondering what is trendy in 1st grade, it is the Tony Hawk clothes from Kohl's.

Thanks for the lipgloss Melody!

Did I mention that Todd and Ericka are AMAZING cooks?  This picture does not do the meal justice.  Bruschetta with goat cheese and HOMEMADE pasta (yep, the noodles are homemade) with a delicious alfredo sauce.  We did not leave their home hungry.

Sunriver, Oregon

Thanks to Allways Trucking (and Jonathan's dad for being a co-owner of the company), we got to stay in their vacation home in Sunriver, Oregon.  This was our first time in Sunriver and loved every minute of it.  

Sunriver is a resort with plenty to do.  We spent our first day hiking around the Newberry Volcanic National Monument.  The highlight of that trip was walking through the mile long lava tube.  According to Jacob this was the "best thing" in his life (we heard that phrase multiple times during our vacation).  

We enjoyed Jacob's second birthday celebration, as it was his birthday while we were in Sunriver.  We had "Santa Pancakes" for breakfast, went to the pool, went on a bike ride on one of the resort's great trails, went tubing, and enjoyed ice cream from Goody's while listening to live music.  It was another fantastic celebration.

We plan on returning to Sunriver as soon as we get a chance.

Walking down into the lava tube.

We made it to the end!  2 miles round trip.

Another great family shot.  Nope, I did not crop the photo.  It can be hard to find a good photographer in a cave.