Pine Lodge 2012

We had a wonderful two-week stay at Pine Lodge with Grandad in July. The hot weather prompted lots of swimming in Slough Pond. One of the kids favorite activities was swinging in the hammock and the most common question was, "Can you push us in the hammock?". We even tried croquet for the first time this year. Amazingly enough the old set that I used as a teenager is still in the barn and in good shape.

We enjoyed a kids program about crabs at the National Park visitor center. The kids learned about lots of different kinds of crabs and got to see some live crabs crawling on the tarp on the floor. Rachel loved the craft at the end.

Another first for this year, we tried mini-golf! We discovered that the kid's meals at Arnold's come with a discount coupon for a round of mini-golf so we decided to give their course a try. I think Carson enjoyed wading in the waterway more than playing golf, but who could blame him on such a hot day.

Here are the kids in front of the town hall in Wellfleet after we stopped for some groceries. Below that are shots of the playground in Wellfleet, conveniently located next to our favorite used bookstore.

We finally caught up with Aunt Ginie on our last night for a yummy dinner at Moby Dick's followed by a life-saving demonstration at Race Point. When they asked for volunteers to help put things away at the end of the program, Carson jumped right up and pitched in. Below that, Rachel and Grandad are checking out the knot display inside the Old Harbor Life Saving Station.

June 2012

With the kids out of school by June 1, we had a free month in June and took advantage of the time for some swimming lessons and some camping. We have a tennis club nearby that offers wonderful swimming lessons to the general public - an outdoor pool, great instructors, small classes, and a place for Mommy to sit nearby and watch. After the two-week class, Rachel and Carson both advanced to the next level!

At the end of June we ventured up to Idaho to try a camping spot near Ketchum. Pete & Jen met us for the weekend which made it even more fun.

We even did a hike together! Rachel and Carson are getting to be very good hikers. There was a sign-in book at the trailhead and Rachel was the one to sign us in.

After Ketchum we headed north to check out Red Fish Lake, a gorgeous lake which surpassed our expectations. Beautiful clear water, large sandy beaches, boat rentals and docks everywhere, and snow-capped mountains in the distance. Imagine finding a beach in Idaho!

Surrounding Red Fish Lake are pine forests, running rivers, and some amazing hiking trails. What a beautiful spot.

Wishing puffs - make a wish!

May 2012

It has been a busy and fun May. We have had a mix of weather, but on nice days we have been outside doing lots of gardening. The kids were a big help in the garden this year pulling weeds and trimming shrubs. Here they are enjoying a snack in a clubhouse we made out of a large cardboard box. I think I agree that the best toy is a simple box, it can be anything you want!

Rachel went to a friend's birthday party in May and was very excited to have her face painted. There was a magician at the party too and she brought home her very own magic wand. She has been doing lots of magic tricks for us at home.

Rachel and Carson both played tee ball again this year and were on the same team, the Rays. They have had fun playing ball and seem to enjoy it more this year than last year. Much to my surprise, Rachel was not upset at being the only girl on the team. The best part of the game for them is the treat afterwards!

We stop at the park next to the tee ball field for some play before heading home.

Rachel's kindergarten class put on a wonderful program for their end-of-year celebration. They did some songs and rhymes and even some dancing. Rachel had a small speaking part, her first time talking into a "real live microphone!". 

Carson graduated from preschool this year, here he is in his cap and gown holding his diploma. His class also did a little show with some songs and a story. We are so proud of both of them.

Below is some of the kids artwork from school. The first one is a family of lions that Carson drew in preschool (a Daddy, Mommy and baby). The next three are Rachel's from her art class in kindergarten. She has a wonderful art teacher and is getting to be quite an artist.

Bryce 2012

The highlight of April was our brief trip to Bryce Canyon during spring break. We stayed in a great cabin just outside of Bryce and one of the best features was the on-site playground.

We were lucky enough to have beautiful sunny days but it was chilly so the first morning we were in fill winter garb to start exploring the park. This was the first trip to a national park for the kids so we started with the visitor center and gift shop, then onto the trails to take in the beauty of Bryce.

On our second day we did a short hike to a cave and a waterfall. Rachel learned how to read the trail map at the trail head and she was excited to find the cave and waterfall just where they were supposed to be!

A favorite activity - throwing rocks into the water.

For our trip home we decided to take the scenic route. There were many scenic overlooks to stop at, each more breath-taking than the last. What a beautiful state Utah is!