A hiking we will go...

One of the few things Drew and I actually have in common (besides basic core beliefs) is our enjoyment of hiking and the outdoors. The fall is a great time to take advantage of the great parks in our area, and as we have in years past, we load up the car and kids and head out for some great day trips.

Swallow Falls, Maryland
What better way to spend a cold rainy afternoon with a sick kid than to head out to see waterfalls? I can't think of any. (disclaimer: Lucas refused to wear a coat. We are not that neglectful!)

Seneca Rock, West Virginia

Last year we took the kids hiking around Elena's birthday and this year we did the same. She asked us if that is what she would be getting every year. I guess it's possible. We went down to Seneca Rocks this year and weren't quite ready for the hike ahead. In fact, it could have been a Sunday School object lesson. We didn't know how far the trail would actually go up the rock or how long it would take. With no snacks or kid-carriers or even good shoes, we headed up.up.up.

It is never a good sign when people measure the distance left by the number of switchbacks you have to go. We made it. I was convinced Lucas would hurl himself off the lookout, and in fact I had to leave him with his dad because I was a little too freaked out to watch. The view was gorgeous and well worth the hike. The kids did fantastic and earned the praises of all those who had to go around us because we weren't exactly leading the pack. A fun day all in all.

A view from the bottom
A view from the top

The best views of all!!

She's almost five

Elena has a hard time living in the moment. Soon after her fourth birthday (last Wednesday) she informed us that she is almost five and excited for her next birthday.

(Here is the birthday girl with her present)

Reconnection Accomplished

This month started out with a huge treat to myself with the encouragement of Drew and his paycheck. He had a paper to present in Sunny San Diego and this summer he invited me to come with him. I didn't give him a lot of choice in the matter. San Diego is my little heaven on earth and this was my 6th visit in 9 years. Thanks to Drew's very gracious mother who stayed with the kids for four days, this trip was amazing. My main goal - Reconnect. With Drew, with friends, with family and probably most importantly - myself.
Travel log alert! And my camera broke, so links will have to do.
Just flying alone was a huge treat. I looked at other mothers lugging car seats and strollers and toddlers with understanding and was so glad that for once I could be sympathetic instead of desparate. Once in San Diego I was able to spend a lot of time ALONE wandering the city, trying different restaurants and lounging in our gorgeous hotel. I used to be very brave and very independent and I was able to reconnect with that part of me a little. I toured the USS Midway just for fun and all alone, taking time to soak up the history rather than worrying about soaking diapers. A little ocean front time was also nice.
Drew and I did get plenty of time for ourselves. A couple of dinners out and a trip to the San Diego Temple really gave us a chance to spend quality time talking and just being together.
I also demonstrated my independence and bravery by making a solo trip up to Santa Monica to visit a Gorgeous Museum, The Getty, with one of my favorite friends in this whole huge world. She met me down in LA with her little boy and we had a fabulous afternoon talking and watching him be ridiculously well behaved. My friend mentioned driving in LA is kind of like a rite of passage. It is scary, but once you do it you feel like you've accomplished something. She was definitely right on both accounts.
After my afternoon at the museum I headed down to Newport to visit my aunt, who I love but rarely get to see. We had a blast. If you ever need a tattoo and are down that way, check her out!
Anyway, long story not so short. We had a great - much needed - vacation from reality. If it weren't for that pesky bank account we'd be game for another one soon!

Awwww

Flippin' for Flapjacks

I love West Virginia. Where else do they have a festival (a rather large one) centered on celebrating the obscure grain of Buckwheat. Where else does said festival draw thousands to a town whose only stop light is leading out of the Wal-Mart parking lot.
Thursday night we went down to Kingwood, WV for the annual Buckwheat festival, and we had a blast. Really. We meandered through the crowds as we found the volunteer fire station where hundereds were stuffing themselves with the legendary Buckwheat pancakes served at the festival. We really enjoyed this unique treat. Then it was time for the parade of fire engines and marching bands. Elena loved waving at the firemen and festival princesses, and she really enjoyed dancing to the marching bands, complete with pretend baton throws and very real high kicks. We didn't make it to the rides or craft sales; maybe next year.

Tailgating and the PRT

Personal. Rapid. Transit. It is the smartest thing the city has done in decades. It is a monorail that connects the different campuses scattered throughout Morgantown, which if you've ever driven here you'd understand that any option other than having to drive through Morgantown is brilliant. And the kids love it. We took the "train" this weekend to do some tailgating with friends before the big WVU game. I have lived in several football towns, but nothing compares to the chaos that is WVU pre-game parties. The city literally shuts down (you have to have a special ID to get into the hospital since it shares a parking lot with the stadium (one of the less smart things the city has done in decades)). Parking lots everywhere are full of tents boasting blue and gold. RVs corral like covered wagons over the weekend and when it gets dark the bonfires make it look like a hobo village with really expensive accommodations.

After the tailgate, Drew told me that he thinks tailgating seems like it would be most fun with just the basics - a pickup truck bed and beer. I sadly informed him that since we don't have a truck and we don't drink beer tailgating might not be for him. Here are a couple of pictures from the weekend.

First Day of Preschool

She started a couple of weeks ago, but that's kind of the schedule we're running on lately.