river wild

It's funny, we're not a super outdoorsy, granola type family, but by looking at our website, you might think we are. We have just really tried to take advantage of the great outdoors this spring. I'm also a little anxious to try & do lots of things before the baby comes because I'm afraid we won't get to do much when he's here. So on to the point of this post...This past weekend David & I took our first get-away trip since Drew entered our world. We've each spent a few nights away from him, but he has always been with at least one of us. This was a big step for us, but one we looked forward to. David's parents (AKA Nonny & Papa) came up to keep Drew while we went on our 3rd annual float trip with the Henrys. We floated about 10 miles down the Upper Buffalo River and camped out overnight on a rock beach about half-way. Here's a quick run-down of the trip:

Highs:

• Time away from daily life & taking care of an active toddler
• Gorgeous weather
• Cooking & eating camp meals - food always tastes so good while you are camping
• Spending time with our best friends
• A wonderful night's sleep... at least for me anyway
• A hike up to beautiful Hemmed in Hollow

Lows:

• Missing Drew Bear
  
• The Henrys' "tumping" over (The river was just a little too low for our heavy-loaded canoes. Plus they were in a 40-year old metal canoe that just didn't give very easily.)
• Getting ticks while trying to use the "restroom"
• David accidentally grabbing a snake instead of a tree branch (It's a good thing we remembered his blood pressure medicine!)

That about sums it up. And that's probably the last adventure into nature we'll take this year. My belly is growing & the temperature is rising.

Just getting started on Saturday.

Floating on Sunday. We didn't get too many breaks as we were hitting little rapids pretty often. It was fun, but also nerve-racking.

Just below the falls at Hemmed in Hollow

Drew enjoying his first ice cream cone with Nonny & Papa.

(Don't forget to check out flickr for more pics.)

mother's day

For Mother's Day this year, we went to Dogwood Canyon with the Kelleys. It was great to take the day away with my hubbie, son, & some friends. We biked a 6 mile path that meandered along several waterfalls & a stream. I highly recommend going if you haven't been before. (As usual, check out flickr for more pics of our day. You have to click on just the right spot to get our flickr site to open.)

kings river falls

I was not feeling up to a hike as we had just got back in town, but I am so glad we went. It's like that most times with me. I hate to carve out the time, but I am always glad I do. Drew absolutely loved the river. It took everyone's help trying to keep him from jumping right in. Check out flickr for more pics.

need i say more?

"I DO ALL MY OWN STUNTS"

Where was this when Drew started walking? If you have spent any time with my son, you know he is quite, well, ummm..., I like to say adventurous. You can just about count on a bump, bruise, or scratch on his upper left forehead at all times.