Today’s the getting ready day for a camping trip at the Devil’s Postpile. This place holds special childhood memories for David. I look forward to seeing some of his special places. I unfortunately inherited my mom’s disdain for packing. I’m sure I’ll much enjoy our time once we get there. I just don’t want to forget anything of importance especially for Joel and Chalice. David’s parents, Em and Andy, the Goodharts and Browns will also be there. Camping trips are fun with Mom and Dad Chism because they have enough nifty gear it doesn’t really feel like camping!

It’s a scorching hot day in San Diego and I discovered that the best time for Walmart runs with little people is around 7:30 AM. No one else is there, so the lines are short and there are no spectators to see me discipline Joel for climbing out of the cart onto me, or worse climbing on top of his very patient sister. I’m just hoping my tomato plant will still be happy when we return from our trip. It’s just starting to look decorative with its red, vine-ripening fruits.

I love the way Joel greets Chalice in the morning. He dances out of his room beaming and looking for Chalice. When he finds her he says, “Hey!!!” with such warmth and enthusiasm. I realized that’s usually the way I greet him when I get him up from naps. Yesterday though, he added “Baby” after the “Hey.” Hey Baby!! :) Very cute.