Braden needed a vacation after a busy school year, so he caught a ride to Mammoth with Gramma and Papa. There they met Uncle CJ, Aunt Sandy, Sydney, Kendall and Lyla for a week of adventure.
We only got to spend half a day in Mammoth, but it was great to hang out with family.
Matt and Braden are a nice addition to this gorgeous backdrop.
The boys went on a quick adventure before heading home. Surprisingly, neither fell in the lake!
Enough family photos yet?
Couldn't pass up the opportunity to take one more shot to capture the background.
Braden loved his special vacation with Gramma and Papa!
This cute cuddle bug managed to sneak her way into lots of photos.
No pedals? Way too small? No problem! Braden managed to have fun racing around on Lyla's bike.
Gramma coordinated a scavenger hunt. The kids drew names to see who they got paired up with. Papa and Sydney took the traditional route and actually went to a neighboring campground to knock on doors to request items.
Lyla was less than pleased when she got paired with her mom. She wanted to be Uncle Matt's partner. Matt and Kendall appeared pretty confident they could win this competition.
Boy power! Braden looked thrilled to be teamed up with Uncle CJ. After all, how many kids have an official university camping instructor for an uncle?! Surely he'd have tricks up his sleeve to win the hunt!
Braden found lots of items quickly to ensure the scavenger hunt was in his hands.
There's a reason we call Gramma 'Martha Stewart.'
What kind of example did Papa set by throwing a temper tantrum when he thought he lost the scavenger hunt?!
Prematurely confident? Maybe not...Kendall is holding a prize.
What kind of game is this?! Lyla got a prize too?
Apparently Gramma was in no mood for tears...all the participants received prizes!
Uncle CJ even got a prize...so technically, Braden and CJ may have really won. Shhhh, don't tell the girls....or Papa and Matt.
Homemade lemonade popsicle. Warm weather. A perfect picture of summer....
Braden took a break from his painting craft Gramma coordinated in order to snap this adorable photo.
Braden proved that hanging out with a bunch of girls while wearing a friendship bracelet Sydney made for him can be extremely cool.
C'mon Braden, smile!
There's never a shortage of goofing around when these two guys are together!
Good thing Papa worked for the fire department at one point, because looks like his skills could come in handy here...
Pretty soon, Braden may be this much taller than Gramma.
Braden attempted to ignore Lyla's inquiries as he examined the best places to go mountain biking.
This girl is a pro at looking adorable always!
Think they're coming up with some fish tales?
Is this a relaxing vacation or what?!
Double trouble!
After a rough day of fishing, Braden found the biggest, juiciest worm to entice some fish.
Apparently it worked! Braden showed off his two catches of the day.
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This dynamic duo seemed quite relaxed in this serene setting.
Attempt number one for a family photo...not bad. Should have stopped after this one.
Deteriorating fast....
We tried to get one last shot. Braden and Lyla had ideas of their own...
Lyla is no longer the baby...she hangs with the big kids just fine!
A picture is worth a thousand words...Sydney is clearly the one who suggested going fishing.
Apparently Braden needed some alone time...just him and the fish.
Where's the rugged setting? Leather chair, iPad....this doesn't look like a camping trip at all!
The three amigos...
It's about time Braden got put to work!
These spoiled kids should earn their keep, after all! Love Lyla's smirk...guess there are advantages to being the youngest!
Now THIS is camping! A chance to enjoy the great outdoors, sounds of nature, sights of bears, deer and other wildlife....oh, they just hung out in the tent to watch movies?!
The whole camping trip in the mountains was pretty cush, so why end that on the drive home?! Braden enjoyed 3D movies on his way to and from Mammoth...but of course, is there any other way to travel?!
