the best pictures you've ever seen of george. period.

shock.

satisfaction.

george, meet zucchini

quizzical

manic

enthused

Let's do this again sometime zucchini - it's been real.

camping in mineral king

Last weekend we went camping with the Nelsons at Mineral King. Ever heard of Mineral King? I hadn't either until Chad pitched it to us as the ideal location for us to introduce our two little lads to the wonderful world of camping.

Despite a scare with the gas tank and a treacherous 25 mile trek up a one way road - the trip was great. Here are some of the highlights.

Mom and George on our hike the first day.

George slept really well the first night. Sleeping like a log

Breakfast the first morning. Breakfast burritos courtesy of the Nelsons

Our campsite from afar. We took the "walk in" sites and it proved to be a wise choice. Car camping sometimes puts you next to unsavory characters. We didn't hear a peep from anyone. 30 feet from the river. Lovely.

George's new favorite toy - steel mug. Hot chocolate has never tasted so good.

Ansel Adams - eat your heart out

Look at that toe. Could you love a toe more than I love this one? I doubt it. I call it, "Big toe on Granite."

Mom & George exploring nature

George spotted a dear. It was like 4 feet from us

The second day we went on a fantastic, grueling hike. I learned a deep truth about my preferences for hiking. I really enjoy the destination, but I really struggle with the process of getting there. I need a team of strong willed people to push me, because often times I told myself that if asked to turn around, I'd emphatically respond "yes." Thanks for the push guys.

George really likes Chad.

Mosquito Lake - our destination. We were the only ones there for most of the time. Very serene and peaceful.

Ashley seized a teaching moment and taught us of the behavior traits of Ursus Americanus, the American Black Bear

George loved the campfire. Cozy in his camping jammies

George and favorite new toy - steel cup. If he ever becomes an old timey prospector or an inmate during the 40's, he'll be right at home

The ride home was stressful as we tried to beat the clock and get home in time to turn the rental in. George helped us all de-stress by leading us in a routine of yoga poses and calisthenics.

Camping was a huge success, and for the most part George was a very happy "camper." We hope to go again soon, perhaps next time involving bikes.

monumental event: george's first bike ride

Ever since I found out we were having a baby, I've been dreaming of this day. The day we could be bike-mobile with our child. This event was 14 months in the making...

Last week I found the perfect deal on just the right bike trailer, on eBay. A couple of days later, it was on our doorstep. I was so excited when it came, Ashley got me to leave work an hour early just so I could put it together.

Of course I had visions of George sitting in the trailer, squealing with delight. But as we all know, babies and "excursions" can be a wild card. Actually, they are like that wildcard in Uno where you get the wild, and the additional draw four zinger.

Be that as it may, I wanted to focus on the positives as we set out on our first excursion. First good sign - a photogenic George in his trailer!

"Dad, let's do this"

"Dad, you're close to getting it right - you just need to angle it a little more this way."

We set out on a small, leisurely pace through the neighborhood. George seemed to be really loving it. As we circled the house without a major meltdown, our excitement and George's mood got the best of us. We decided to go for the gusto! A four mile (round trip) ride to Whole Foods for a little snack (I usually get a chocolate milk and a baked good of some kind, Ashley - something fruitier, or saltier).

We met up with our friends Keith and Lesley halfway, and took George's convoy up to Whole Foods.

David = really happy

We made it to our destination just fine, and squawked and squealed the whole way. We were really proud of ourselves.

George, on the verge of sleep

The night was absolutely beautiful and honestly... the kind of night that makes you want to pinch yourself for living in Los Angeles. Clear sky, full moon, absolute perfect to the zillionth degree temperature.

We lazily meandered through the vacant streets, loving our new family-oriented mobility. Keith and Lesley parted ways with our group, and we made our way home. George... silent as we approached home.

Lights out little traveler

The perfect cherry on top - George falls asleep in the trailer. He was totally comfortable, just in a onesy all the way home. Ashley and I were completely ecstatic at how well the trailer worked and how much George seemed to enjoy it. Consider this the first of many Pulsipher family bike adventures.

post script:
for a "nuts and bolts" edition to this post, check my other blog to see how we made this family outing, a safe one.