Something for the Road

Some Like it Cold

This could be a sequel, to “Some Like it Hot.”  But, I do have to say that the kids in these pictures look a lot healthier. 

Mike took one last chance to squeeze in another backpacking trip – this time with Caleb and some friends.  It was the first time Caleb had worn a pack to hike and they hiked in 5 1/2 miles before setting up camp.  It was beautiful, but began to snow as they set their tent up.  In the morning, they had a nice layer of ice over everything, including the lake they were camped next to.  Too cold for my taste – I’m glad it was Caleb and not me.

  


   

In Caleb’s words, “It was fun.  The up part was really tiring, and the down part was ok, but it really really hurt.  My feet are still sore.  We made dinner in the snow and we woke up with ice on the tents.  It was cold.  I had a cup of noodles and hot chocolate which I both spilled on me.  That’s pretty typical for me.”

There you have it – summed up by a 10-year-old boy.

Roughin’ It

I don’t know if I can say it was the most relaxing getaway I’ve had, but I will say I came home refreshed.  There’s nothing like leaving all of your mundane responsibilities behind.  And, I can do hard things (at least that’s what I keep telling myself.  Besides poor Erin spraining her ankle, it was a wonderful weekend and we couldn’t have asked for better weather.

Hunt Lake boulder hike, North Idaho.  It was beautiful, it was a little rugged, and it was amazing.

          

Some Like it Hot

We have a tradition on Saturdays.  We call it “deep cleaning.”  Nothing happens until the deep cleaning is finished.  Nothing.  So, last Saturday we waited and waited and waited for this tradition to be finished so we could partake in another tradition that we really enjoy – hiking.  By then, it was almost 100 degrees.

Riverside State Park – it’s a short walk – maybe you could call it a hike.

Hey, this is fun, isn’t it?

Everyone was a little hot and tired.

Notice that Jessamyne was the only one who could still smile – Nora’s is a little strained. 
Caleb and Gabi wouldn’t even look at the camera, and this was on the way back.

C’mon, Gabi – just a little smile?  Look at that flushed face.

Poor thing . . . .

A caterpillar cheered things up quite a bit, and I had a good time even though it was a really hot hike.
Hey guys, maybe we could finish up deep cleaning a little sooner next time.  What do you think?

Treasure Hunt

This summer we sat down with the kids and had them each pick an activity that they wanted to do on a Saturday as a family.  Nora wanted to go on a treasure hunt.  We figured that most easily translated into Geocaching.

So, after a few hours of figuring out our new GPS and the maps we installed, we headed out for our treasure hunt.

 

We found it!

This was our first try at Geocaching.  The kids loved it.

Here is a great site to get you started. Good idea, Nora.

Oh What Do You Do In the Summertime?

We felt like this was the first day of summer – it has been raining and raining and raining around here and we started to wonder if we would have any nice days at all.  The rain has made our yards lush and beautiful but we were starting to feel a little soggy.  So, today we made the most of the sun.

Kootenai River 5k and 10k Run 2010 

 
Here are the runners – well the most important ones.

 
The observers.

The finish.
Jessamyne (5k) 47:15
Gabi (5k) 48:04
Cassi (10k) 58:39

Elmira Store for Lunch

Pretty much the best shakes and burgers we’ve ever had.

Harrison Lake Hike

Ok everyone, please remember to take your hiking shoes .  . . Caleb? Nora? Jessamyne?  Gabi?  We’re going for a hike and you need some good shoes.

EVERYONE brought their hiking shoes . . . . except mom?  Mike used some good love and logic tactics on me and it was a good walk TO the trailhead anyway.

Ross Creek Cedar Outing

We had an Open House on Saturday, so we needed to get lost.  What better place than the Cedar Grove near Ross Creek?  The day was semi-nice and the trees were gorgeous.  It was a nice easy hike/walk with the kids and fun to be out.

Trees so big you can go inside.

Our climbers were in heaven.

Yes, those little white flecks are hail.

Spring Break, Day #4

We had a great visit with Grandpa and Grandma A., my grandparents.

Grandma always challenges us to some games.  We brought one of ours . . . Scrambled States .  I won’t speak for Grandma, but I had a hard time being quick enough to slap those cards.

I played Tri-Ominos with Grandma when I was Caleb’s age.  It never gets old.  This is a classic – a must have.

Grandpa always fixes lunch.  Yummy.

Thanks for the visit, Grandma and Grandpa.  I hope you were able to take a nap after we stormed your house!

Spring Break, Day #3

I’m seeing a common theme: 
A little work, a little play, and we’re happy all day.

Nora saved the worms – I think she takes after Aunt Karen.

Gabi showed who was boss when she attacked the car.

Maybe Jess will be in landscaping and we know Caleb’s a comedian.

The highlight of the day for the kids was their little independent trip to Dub’s.  Yes, they held hands and walked there all by themselves without me, and got as much ice cream as they could handle.  The best, though, is the 39 cent baby cone – totally worth it.  We only live a half of a block away (dangerous).

Word of the Day:  Lox.  Caleb knows his stuff.

Spring Break, Day #2

Today was a little bit of everything . . . .

Did I mention it was 42 degrees? When it started snowing, we decided to go inside and then we . . . .

and

(you’ve got to try this recipe – see below)

My favorite part was sleeping in and a surprise visit from the Brass family.  I think my kids liked the cookies.

Marcia’s Peanut Butter Cookies

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup chunky peanut butter
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 Tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cup flour
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup peanut butter chips
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Beat the butter and peanut butter until fluffy.  Add the sugar and beat until smooth.  Add egg, milk, and vanilla.  Then add dry ingredients.  Stir in all of the chips.  Rol into an ice cream scoop size ball.  Roll in sugar.

Bake 10 minutes at 350 degrees.  Do not overbake.  Let the cookies cool before removing them from baking sheet.  The cookies should be mounded in the middle.

Spring Break, Day #1

Spring Break is swimming with friends when it’s cold and rainy outside . . . .

 

Besides having fun in the pool, we also went to the library, cleaned up the yard a bit, cleaned out the shed, and got another load ready for storage. . . . pretty productive day.