Happy 4th of July

We couldn't stay away from NH for the 4th of July weekend. What could be better than the company of family, especially with none of our usual festivities? While we might have missed a big fireworks show a tiny bit, or sitting on the beach as the sun sets- just a little, the kids had a fantastic time, and it was so nice to be with family and just relax and enjoy the evening without having to worry about finding a parking spot, or a place to watch the fireworks, or toting supplies for a late evening out with the kids. So the grownups definitely thought it was the best 4th of July yet! We started a bunch of new traditions, with a 4th of July cake, a handmade 4th of July piñata, a 4th of July dance, and of course, there were fireworks.

And to end a fantastic weekend, we saw a rainbow on the drive home.

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!