Goodbye Dear Friend (Catching Up)

We've been friends since I was 16 and have been through a lot together. We went on dates, various road trips, and went to college. In addition she was there for me when I graduated from college, got married, and had my first and second child. But our friendship was bound to end, I just didn't know it would be like this.

Mr. Tigger got into a minor fender-bender. The girl's giant SUV didn't even get a scratch, but her trailer hitch took out my beautiful little car.

The cost to fix it was more than the car was worth so it was officially totaled. That happens when your car is 17 years old. (She was in great condition though, especially the interior.)

The kids and I waved and very sadly said goodbye.

Stewart Falls (Catching Up)

This summer we went on one of the most beautiful hikes that I've ever been on. If you haven't hiked to Stewart Falls, I suggest that you put it on your to-do list. It's not an overly strenuous hike (my 2 year old can do it), most of it is in the shade, the hike itself is breathtaking, and the destination is memorable.

This is near the start of the hike. The trail is great, you're in the shade, and it smells like the mountains. (I love the smell of real pine trees.)

Hydration is critical.

Our lunch spot.

Stewart Falls - We're pretty high up here so you can't tell how big the falls really are. They keep going down quite a bit and they look a ton bigger in person.

An ice cave at the base of the falls.

Panda enjoyed throwing snowballs in July...wouldn't you?

We even made a snowman.

I think they were a little tuckered out after such a big hike.

Summer Fun (Catching Up)

July and August were extremely busy, so busy that I couldn't be bothered to post. So now I'm going to try and make up for it. Here are some of the minor, but fun things we did this summer (major things will be getting their own posts - stay tuned).

Monkey and Panda had tons of fun in the water during the heat.

Monkey had swimming lessons. He's going to need those if he inherited my inability to tread water.

Monkey and Panda have started to learn to play together a lot better. This is a huge blessing.

Kids had fun at the splash park.

I thought it was too shallow to swim in, but they tried it anyway.

Panda loves to climb, which can be quite scary at times, but she just loves being queen of the mountain. At least she hasn't started pushing others off yet.

I got older - so old that I needed help blowing out my own birthday candles. Maybe next year I'll get that oxygen tank I've been asking for. You get those at 30 right?

Gotta love backyard camping.

Monkey thought backyard camping was the best thing since sliced bread, although I think it had a lot to do with the movie Mr. Tigger let him watch while in the tent.

A teddy bear picnic at Grandma Bunnie's - just one of those typical summer activities that my mom likes to throw.

Monkey started soccer and Mr. Tigger and I were crazy and signed up to be his coaches.

Swinging!

Did I mention that I love summer?

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.