Big Bear - Spring Break

April 14th, 2008

Flickr Set - Fun innertubing videos in there!

As Spring Break drew near, I was hearing about many of our friend’s plans, and I felt the itch to take off too…last minute, that is. First, I thought, “San Diego” (all booked), then I thought, “Palm Springs” (all booked). Dejectedly, I went to a dentist appointment with no idea where to go. Luckily, the dentist assistant gave me a great idea - Big Bear. I got home, booked a cabin and there it is!

We’ve arrived. Our first look at the cabin was mixed bag. The kids were a little uncertain, and I said it looked haunted. While not being super nice, after a bit of cleaning and rearranging it worked out great. This is the first use of our hitch mounted bike rack. I was able to fit Cindy’s long xtracycle, and my small folding bike on there!

First thing the kids wanted to do was to play the Wii, so I set it up and off they went.

On Friday we went to ride the innertubes at the Alpine Slides. The one downer was that Toby couldn’t ride on his own, because he’s under seven years old. We bypassed this little rule by having Micah and him take turns going down on their own.

We made good use of the jacuzzi. The boys and Cindy were in it every day. I only went in once, because I scratched up my leg on a mountain bike fall before going to Big Bear. It stung.

On Saturday we went to the Discovery Center, where Toby got his customary stuffed animal (he’s an avid collector of all things stuffed, cute and furry). We then rode on the Alpine Pedal Path. There were alot of people out, and that actually added to the fun. The kids were amazing with their bike control. Cindy’s bike was full of snacks, drinks and other “just in case” stuff.

Cindy with her xtracycle/Pake NuNu. She sometimes picks up both kids from school on the back of that bike.

Of course we had to stop by the side of the path, to give the kids a chance to soak themselves. They’re trying to “kill the waves”. I was trying to teach Micah to skip rocks, but he kept throwing them at Toby’s feet, which didn’t make Toby too happy, hehe.

Saturday afternoon my brother and his family joined us for one night. We went back to the innertubes, and this time, I prepped Toby that he is no longer 5, but 7 years old, and Micah was now 8 years old. The rule is that anyone under 7 has to ride with an adult. He only got “carded” once and was successful in his deception. He told us afterwards that when he was asked how old he was that he was sweating. What have I taught him now!!?? He was the smallest 7 year old out there, hehe.

Our last dinner was at Cowboy Express, a steak joint that was decent. Here I am with a 20 oz. hef in one hand and fingers covered with buffalo wing sauce on the other.

Final picture before heading out. We had a great time. Now that Spring is here, we have quite a few trips planned, so I’ll try to post more trip updates!