Hiking

Over the long weekend, we decided to go out and about, even though the weather was crummy. We put on our hiking sandals and hoodies and headed to Tubb's Hill in Couer d' Alene. Kent and I used to go out here all the time before children, to hike and swim, but not so much in the last few years. This was the first time the kids have hiked. They LOVED it! This is Madge (?) the Moose at the trail head. A local author wrote a book about a moose and a mouse (peaking over the antlers) and the adventure they go on in the city. You can actually follow a trail and find them throughout downtown. I am thinking we need to do this soon, Brayden is very interested in it. For now, they got to stand by it. :)

Hiking up the hill (it really is actually a rough terrain) with Couer d ' Alene resort in the background. It was overcast, but still beautiful.

We chose a huge rock to sit on and enjoy our picnic lunch, it was a tad windy.

And we all made it back in one piece! We had a few falls, no, surprisingly it was NOT me, but the kids got right back up and continued on. I think we will be doing this again. This adventure was a success!

BTW, after this hike I went and rode the route where my sprint race is going to be. It was very manageable, and I think I'll do fine, but the road is super narrow, it was pouring down rain, and a few cars almost ran me off the road. Other than that, all was well! I am really hoping they close that road for the actual race. I'm not very good at multi-tasking (balancing, pedaling, AND watching for cars) and being safe.

Mish-Mosh

We have been lucky enough to have Uncle Pete here visiting us from Florida. He brought over a special project for the kids that he calls "mish-mosh." The kids were counting down the days until he came to do the project!

Prep work, cleaning out the molds.

Uncle Pete pouring the mish? Or is it the mosh?

How scary is it to mix cement with 3 children? Apparently not at all for Uncle Pete. I was hands off with this project, it all seemed overwhelming to me, I was in charge of taking pics. Ellie and Dani were in charge of pouring/spraying the water and B and P mixed the cement.

Yes, it is a little bit dirty.....

Dani and Ellie thought watering the neighbor's weeds may be a better/easier job.

Brayden stuck it out though. He is such a good worker and his stepping stone turned out amazing!

These are the stepping stones all set up to dry. Uncle Pete came back two days later to help take them out. There is a lot of special technique to this. I am pretty sure I would have cracked them, or there would have been lots of air bubbles!

B tapping his palm tree out.

YAY, you can't really tell how cool it is. B was thrilled!

Ellie tapping hers out.

Dani showing where her hand fits in hers!

Thanks Uncle Pete for such a memorable, fun project! We will treasure these forever!

8 years and counting.....

Happy anniversary Kent! Thank you for an exciting, memorable eight years, with lots more to come! I love you!