Hiking: This Changes Everything!

The pandemic has certainly changed the way we are doing summer, and one of the things we have been doing more of is exploring. We've really enjoyed the trails that we can walk to in our neighborhood, but taking longer hikes farther from home has seemed a bit daunting. I think it was the thought of carrying water, snacks, and changes of clothing for five of us while potentially also carrying two children who might tire of walking.

THEN Uncle Chris and Aunt Ruth were amazingly generous and sent the kids hiking backpacks. This changes EVERYTHING! Now the KIDS can carry water and snacks and clothes and if I happen to have to carry kids, I don't have to carry anything else.

Today we still stayed close to home, finding a new trail only a five minute drive from our house. The kids were thrilled to carry their own stuff and couldn't wait to test out the packs.

It was a really cute trail, with lots of wooden bridges over a little brook filled with frogs. The kids had a great time. 

Just A Day at Home

We Grew A Frog!

Back in May we found some tadpoles at the Spring Run Trail. Sadly, it was a bit of a learning curve and we were too greedy, taking many more than we could care for, and not doing all our research ahead of time. Sadly, only one made it... but he hung on for a long time, finally growing legs and turning into a frog!

It was such a cool learning experience and an amazing transformation. Today, since he is a froglet that can climb the walls of his box, we had to bring him back to the trail.

He seemed happy to be home. We will definitely be growing tadpoles again next year!

More Pool Fun

We stayed on a few more days to enjoy the pool:

Sadly, LittleL.G. has a terrible ear infection. Thanks to the current situation, we were able to schedule a virtual visit with our doctor this afternoon so we could get her antibiotics before heading home, but the poor kid was in really rough shape on the ride back. Hopefully she is back to herself soon!

Father's Day Weekend in NH with Daddy

Happy Father's Day to the two amazing dads in my life!

After work Friday, we drove to NH with Daddy. We stopped at a delicious pizza restaurant on the way and got take out to eat on their picnic tables. Sadly, we seem to have bad driving luck when we bring Daddy with us: last trip Mr. T. threw up on the way, SlimJim threw up on the way back, and after dinner, LittleL.G. threw up her pizza. Hoping 3 out of 4 is all we have to deal with!

It was a great weekend of lots and lots of swimming:

Even though the kids could probably swim all day, sometimes the grown ups need a break from the water, so we were entertained by many "shows":

And kept them busy with lots of food:

And of course, the boys never cease to find things to destroy do:

Daddy had to go back for work, but we'll stick around a few more days to take advantage of the "Gram and Grumpy Resort".