Jack Creek

We spent a Wednesday through Saturday at Jack Creek Campground, near Camp Sherman/Sisters, with Ryan's parents this last week, and had an absolute ball. Our campsite was ideal, a huge one with tons of dirt, big rocks, little hills for Tonka trucks to roll down. The kids had a fabulous time, I just can't get enough of watching them play together, watching this little brother-big sister relationship grow.

We visited "Wizard Falls Fish Hatchery", the kids and my first experience with such a place. It was very cool! We fed the fish more "dog food" (as Em called it) than they could ever want, and watched them jump into the air to nibble it, so exciting.

We also made a hike to the head of Jack Creek, about a 2 mile round trip. The trek was a beautiful one, the weather was perfect. It's always fascinating to see the water come right out of the hill, or out from under the roots of a tree.

We also did a quick trip to a little pond so Emily could get her new "Cars" fishing pole into the water. Sadly, the little red pole would not see a fish, but Papa Spain was able to nab a little trout, to which Em grew very fond of! She was fascinated by the whole experience, watched dad "get the yucky out", carried the little bugger to the campfire, threw on some "Lowry's" and enjoyed the fruits of the labor. My little outdoorsgirl, I'm so proud.

We will definitely be returning to this place in the future. Thanks to Susan and Arley for showing us such a wonderful place, and for serving us such yummy meals in true Chef Susan style.

Maiden Voyage

We took our new trailer to Blue River for our first trip into nature in a looooooooooong time!!! Mason thoroughly enjoyed his first camping experience. I'm quite sure he never stopped moving, ever, the whole time we were there....earning mom a couple extra s'mores with all the chasing I was doing! Emily's favorite part of the trip was definitely the marshmallows, untoasted, no graham crackers or chocolate involved. It was too funny, she waited alllll day for the campfire, then ate 2 marshmallows from the bag, and was ready for bed. 3 year olds are hilarious. Everyone slept great in the new digs. Can't wait to get 'er out again!

Camp Creek Camp Out 2009

Here are some pics from the our First Annual "Camp Creek Camp Out" that took place this past Saturday night. There were 17 of us, including 9 kiddos under 4. Everything went very well, most kids slept pretty good, tots had their first real s'mores and campfires, good food and great times with great friends. And it was fun to see the kids in their matchy shirts, I stayed up a few late nights to get them all finished, and it was well worth it. Can't wait to do it all again!

Random Good Times

Here are some more fun moments. Today at lunch, Mason fell asleep to the tune of his cashew butter and jam sandwich. This never happens at our house, I had to share his sweet sleepy faces.

In addition, Em got a cute lil haircut this week, and mom finally got the playroom organized with
the help of some new furniture and a darling new rug. Thought you might enjoy those pictures, too.

The Garden

Our 3rd child, really...our garden. We have 9 9'x5' raised beds, and of course our 15 beloved blueberry bushes, and we've had such a great time with it all this year. Finally, I can get out there without a monstrous preggo belly or a newborn strapped on, and I've really been enjoying it. The kiddos love it too, and I've been amazed how they are refraining from yanking out the harvest! And now that the blueberries are ripe, I can send Em and Mase in there, close the gate, and get a good 30 minutes of gardening done while they eat berries....mostly the blue ones....=)

Emily also loved the cherries from our 2 cherry trees, before the birdies cleaned 'em out completely. Mason has an affinity for the peas, and knows exactly how to eat just the peas, which really surprises me! He can pack a lot of those little buggers in his cheeks. I just love watching the kids out there, Emily gets SO excited when she sees something new ripening or sprouting, she can hardley contain herself. I feel like I'm teaching them so much just by growing all this, letting them see where food comes from, reaping the yumminess from our hard work, I just can't get enough of it. My mom's love of her garden just might have rubbed off a little! It just took awhile to show up.....=)

Emily's 3rd Birthday

My baby turning 3, hard for mommy to grasp that one. Em had 2 pizza-inspired get-togethers, first one at Papa's Pizza in town, and the 2nd a pizza-making party with her bestest buddies here at home. Both were a ball, but seeing the toddlers create their masterpieces, while the mommies hurriedly tried to keep tomato sauce and mozzarella off the most important articles of clothing was just a sight to be seen. It went surprisingly well, and the lil pizzas were delish! And the little brother decided it was a good day to take an extra long morning nap, to awake to the craziness, he wasn't so sure of what exactly had taken over his house. Another birthday party success story, and mommy is ready to have a little break from the party planning! Yes!

Mason's First Birthday Fiesta....3/21/09

Mason's First was all about the dump trucks. We had a house full of friends and family. Here are a few of the highlights...I think the little dude had a great time! Emily was so happy to get at that cake, even if it wasn't so pretty after Mason had his way with it.