A Nice Hike

Fun times on Noblett's trail near Woodland. We wanted a family outing, but had an errand to run first. That bought the boys at least an hour nap in the car, which served them well this afternoon! We left the trailhead about 3:30, with dinner and snacks and water. We stopped at a lovely spot about an hour later and ate and threw rocks. Then we headed back.

Kersplash!

It's an easy trail with lots of stream access (for rock throwing, of course). There is little elevation gain, but fun roots and rocks to navigate on occasion. It'd be super fun for mountain biking, and it's marked as mountain bike accessible (but no motorized travel). No fee at the trailhead, either, unlike nearby Mirror Lake Highway. We saw one couple with dogs, but nobody else on this first day back at school Monday evening.

Ian wanted to be carried for just a bit after
that nasty bee stung him on the head.

Despite the occasional "I don't like this place" and a few bugs and scratchy bushes, I think Ian had a good time. He was swatting at something flying around his head and got stung, however, and was still unimpressed by that come bedtime. The woods and flowers were fragrant, we saw a doe, and there were just a few raspberries. We ate the ripe ones we found. So yummy! Ian got a few good scrapes and Wyatt ate some grass and dirt during dinner (despite our best efforts). Wyatt was awake the whole time and had a blast looking at the scenery - the babbling stream, little waterfalls, trees.

He left us some of the sandwich, thankfully.

An attempt at a family pic.

Did you see that? I ate that whole sandwich!

I will remember to keep it fun and not push too much distance or make it too tiring for Ian to want to do more hiking. Still, I'd like to come back and make sure to have enough carrying devices for two boys. I know of some friends that would join us with their littles and we'd have a great time. Ian didn't have a ton of energy today, as he had an ear infection last week after a two week cold. He's still a little whiny and irritable and not eating very well yet. Next time we'll have even more fun!

"This is the best ice cream cone I've EVER TASTED!" 

Smith Morehouse Reservoir (Trip #1)

We decided that we didn't have the energy for a quick camping trip, as we were wanting to do. We have been short on sleep lately and as much as we'd like to recharge with a camping trip, we sleep worse in the tent. So we went for a day trip instead. Our new place is closer to Smith Morehouse reservoir than the old place, and it's a smaller reservoir than Jordanelle or Deer Creek. Both of those larger ones have a state park associated with them and a fee to get in for the day. But Smith Morehouse is a ways away, much smaller, not as busy (and free for day use). It's managed by the forest service and has a couple of campgrounds there.

First, we stopped to take a walk by a stream at the top of the reservoir. Ian was very worried that we were passing by the reservoir without stopping to park to walk around. It took a few minutes to drive to the top and find a place to park so we could check out trails or the stream. We'd found a trail a few years ago, but didn't look too hard this time for the same trail. This small stream worked great, and led to the top of the reservoir.

Tired baby boy!
Wyatt rode in the sling and napped while Ian played on the beach.
Fortunately, he napped well in the sling for a little while, but it was warm and he wasn't able to avoid the excitement for long!

Biggest rock for the biggest boy!

Ian had a great time throwing rocks in the water. We found some cattle enjoying the stream nearby too. It's always strange to see livestock in the woods, but the forest service allows ranchers to use the land. It sure changes the landscape.

Next, we decided to check out the beach, briefly. Mostly to check to see if it'd be a good place for an afternoon of fun. I think it'll be great!

We went on a Thursday, and there were about a dozen people using the beach for swimming, canoeing, and hanging out. It's not precisely sandy, there are lots of rocks and some mud, so it's a more natural beach. There are some more comfortable areas than what are pictured, though. I think we can find a spot for a blanket and umbrella, a few chairs and some toys and a cooler. We're going to try to find some time and maybe bring a new friend along if they want to go next week and/or an old friend if they're in town.

Swim Lessons

Last year, Ian and I did "Mom and Tot" swim lessons. These are for water familiarity. Ian had a good time, still unsure of some things at the end (like jumping into the water), but seemed to do a little better about getting his head wet and such.

This year, he's ready for "Preschool A" class for 3-4 year olds. As he'll happily tell you, he's "almost three!" Today was his first class, and he did very well. The teacher herded all three 3-year-olds well, even Ian, who kept insisting on wandering off. We're trying to help him learn this skill of "listening" and "doing what he's asked to do" but it takes time. :)

Ian's first day in class (he's in the middle):

It'll just be me and the boys tomorrow - today John was around to help. I won't be swimming with Wyatt, but will probably be wading just a bit. I hope I can get him out of the pool. Today was hard! Ian's friend Ellie will be in his class tomorrow, too. I can't wait to see what he learns. What a big boy!

He can ... move?!

 

 

 

Watch out world! Here comes Wyatt!

And I'm going to get you, too!!

Grandparents!

We didn't get a lot of pictures while my mom was here, but did get a few. She stayed to help out for a few months, and I don't know how we'd have gotten through a new job, new baby and a move without her!

Shortly before our move. Yeah, Ian's excited about that.

Wyatt, a few days old.

Of course, she was holding him for his very first smile, just hours old.

From 2012-01-31

We had John's parents here this weekend, and they helped with a few things around the house. 

John and his dad built a shed out back so we have some outdoor storage. Tango helped.

Grandma got to watch the boys so I could do some work.

And how about a picture under our lovely apple tree? It's beautiful in full bloom!