Wildlife

While camping we learned about all the trees and plants around us. For example the difference between a Lady Fern, Bracken Fern, Maiden's Hair and Sword ferns. We also saw tons of wildlife, the most exciting was when we found 2 deer roaming around our campsite after we came back from a hike. We also saw Addy's favorite, garter snakes. She was not very excited to realize there were snakes, while Cameron was thrilled to go "snake hunting" using marshmallows as bait to catch snakes. Hard to believe but they were not successful in their hunting efforts. There were bunnies and birds and bats all around the campsite and there were trout in the lake. We also saw the beaver each night swimming through the pond and fell asleep listening to the frogs. I think my proudest moment was when the nature guide was explaining the ecosystem and explained about all of the living beings in the system like the plants and animals and then asked what the name was for non-living, never living parts of the environment and Adelyn answered with "abiotic factors". 

Camping Fun

There were endless activities for the kids to do at this camp. Addy's favorite was the climbing wall and gun rifle. Cameron loved the archery range and canoeing. The scenery and weather could not have been better. The water definitely could have been warmer but luckily Brian took the swim test for us so we could rent the boats. We felt very lucky to be a part of the first family camp and hope they do it again. 

Fire Mountain Camping

 Over Memorial Day weekend we had the opportunity to go camping at Fire Mountain which is a scout camp. They opened it up for Family Camp and we had the best time. We were so lucky with the weather as it was sunny and warm every day. Typically Memorial Day would be way too early for me to consider camping but it could not have been any better. There were 3 families from Cameron's pack that stayed at site. We all had stents which are kind of like yurts which was fun. Although Addy did not like that there wasn't a door with a zipper. 

The campgrounds were amazing as they had all of the activities that are normally used for scout camps. The kids did archery, swimming, climbing, boating and hiking. Addy was old enough to go to the gun rifle and shoot. They also provided food so Brian and I didn't have to do any food prep for 3 days! It was so much fun and an awesome start to the summer season.

Wallace Falls

 Last Sunday we all got up early and out the door to do our first real hike in quite awhile. We did about 5 miles to one of our favorite hikes, Wallace Falls. The kids did a great job, the scenery did not disappoint and the weather was perfect. It felt great to get back to hiking and we can't wait to do more of it this season. 

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

 It's Little League season and between Addy's Minor's season and Cameron's eighty-niners season I swear we are at the ball fields 5 days a week. It's awesome to have this back in our schedule after missing last year. Both Brian and I are helping to coach and the kids are doing a great job. Both teams have kids pitch, but no walks so it's the best of both worlds (coaches pitch after 4 balls). Both kids have been getting to pitch which has been really fun and with the amazing weather we've been having we haven't had hardly any games in the rain. Addy's team is the Blue Bombers and Cameron is on the Cardinals.

Beach Time

We've had an unseasonably warm spring and last month I was able to combine work with play as I met my boss at a park for a meeting and the kids played on the beach. It felt like summer and it was incredible. The kids had an awesome time playing on the beach and it was the best work meeting I had all week. Work and school from home does have it's advantages. 

Candy Art

 The kids have been making mandala's at school so I suggested they use some of their leftover candy to make more (I know it's not the same but oh well). I think it's the best use of candy I've seen! They made beautiful art and then we threw it out! No complaining, no belly aches, no sugar highs. Best art project of the year!