Squaw Peak - June 11

We set out to do the Buffalo Peak hike, but with almost a mile left to drive before we reached the trailhead the road was closed due to an avalanche of snow covering it, so we had to improvise. We turned around and went up another road to Squaw Peak lookout and parked in that parking lot. Then we set out on the trail.

We didn't have a destination, so we just kept going until the trail was near the ridgeline. The kids did really well and had a fun time.

Like father like son.

There were a ton of wildflowers along the trail. It was really pretty.

For lunch we found some rock outcroppings to sit on.

This was our view from where we ate lunch - not too shabby.

We didn't make it on a hike this past Saturday, due to Panda being too sick. Also, on the baby front, it looks like Panda will be sharing a room - we're having a girl!

What a Great Dad

My husband's birthday often falls on Father's Day and it happened again this year. So I wanted to tell him "Happy Birthday" and thank him for being a great dad.

Mr. Tigger is everything that a dad should be. He likes to play with our kids, doesn't shy away from changing a diaper, and wants to teach our kids good values. We are lucky to have him in our family.

Happy Birthday!

And thanks for being...

Such a great dad!

Battle Creek Falls - June 4th

Mr. Tigger and I have decided to see more of the outdoors this year. We live by hundreds of beautiful hiking trails and want to take advantage of them while trying to give our kids a love of hiking and the outdoors. So we decided to try and go on a hike every Saturday that we have available while the weather is good.

To start our adventures we decided to hike Battle Creek Falls. It's about .8 miles up to the falls and we went a little farther so we probably did about a mile up and back, which is pretty good for my little Panda's short legs.

My little Panda (2 years old) did the entire hike by herself. She was forced to hold hands on the steep or slippery parts, but other than that it was all her. I was pretty impressed.

We had lunch above the falls next to the fast-moving river (you can see it if you look on the far right).

Due to all the rain the falls had a lot more flow than they usually do. This picture really doesn't do the falls justice; they were way bigger in person. This was about as close as I would get...that mist was freezing.

Overall it was a beautiful hike with a fun destination and our kids loved it.

I'm Starting to Waddle

I think my kids are mocking me.

We'll see who's laughing come October when one of them has to start sharing a room.

Happy Birthday Panda!

My daughter is officially 2 years old. It's scary I know. She is a fun little person that is full of personality. She continues to be a girly-girl, but is also pretty fearless and loves to get out and do things. This is a combination that I can deal with.

Panda loves balloons. She had to have her balloons tied to her chair while she ate and her bed while she slept for days.

Cake and ice cream are nummy. We had a family party for Panda on Sunday. Lots of people came for cake and ice cream. We definitely had a full house. (Thanks everyone for coming.)

Panda's favorite present was her diva kit. It included a cell phone, purple sunglasses, fake lipstick, etc.

My little diva. Someone help me.

The next day, on Panda's actual birthday, we went to Jumpin' Jacks as a family. Monkey and Panda loved the motorized cars and helicopter, even though we didn't put any money in. They also really liked bouncing around and especially loved the slides.

I told you my little girl was fearless. She kept wanting to go on this slide over and over again. No slide was too big.

We finished the day with a special dinner. Panda requested pancakes and was thrilled with them and with our syrup cow. She loves it.

Happy Birthday Panda!

Valentines

So I know I'm posting this late, but better late than never. For Valentines my kids had a lot of fun with Grandma Bunnie and at home.

My mom likes to put special prizes in the Valentines mailbox every day the week leading up to Valentine's Day. I know, she spoils them.

The Valentine's breakfast was lots of fun for everyone, including these two cute boys fighting with their balloons.

Who needs breakfast when you can eat a sucker?

Panda loved all the treats.

Afterwards the kids made melted-crayon hearts to hang in the window.

Happy Valentines Day!

Merry Christmas!

We hope you all had a Merry Christmas!

And have a Fantastic New Year!