The Iris Gardens

We took a nice Sunday stroll today through some beautiful iris gardens. It was a good opportunity to get some pictures of the kids.

The boys got kind of wild and started racing.


By looking at this picture you'd think our kids got along really well, ha ha ha ha!



This ended up being our favorite picture of the day. Lance likes to call it "The Thief"! We just wish he was holding some stolen goods, like a big lollipop.

Tyson Learns to Ride a Bike

Tyson has been begging for a two-wheelered bike for quite some time now! I've been waiting to find a used one at a garage sale, but haven't been successful, so we finally borrowed a little bike from my good friend. We brought it home today, and on his first try Tyson was cruising down the street. He never stopping riding the rest of the day! We rode to the park, but he wouldn't get off to play. He just rode around until Sydney and Carson were finished. We hardly could get him to eat any dinner! He absolutly loves it, and after a few hours he is very confident.

Indoor Golf Ball Hockey

It was cold and rainy today, so I pulled the car out of the garage and let the kid play hockey. They used a golf ball and broom sticks. It went well until Tyson got upset that Sydney was better than he was.I used a row of logs to keep the ball in the garage.

We Love Parade

The Iris Parade was today, and our kids love parades! Last year the weather was 80 degrees, and kids got loads of candy. This year is was cold, with a threat of rain. And there was much less candy. We had a great time anyway. It rained before the parade, and after, but not at during.

Silly Kids

Our kids have been loving the trampoline! But for some odd reason, most times they jump, the lose their clothes, piece by piece. Even Carlito removes his clothing. They seem to be more wild when they are semi-nude. Carson is trying to do a flip. He wants to do everything his older siblings do.

Tyson's flip. Looks scary, but that's how he does it every time.

Camping at Silver Falls

We took a one night camping trip (if you call staying in a rustic cabin camping, which I do). We started the trip by hiking around the South Falls. There are 10 different waterfalls in this State Park. Here we are at the top of the falls.

There was a bench along the hike down to the bottom of the falls, I wanted a picture of the kids, but they were so interested in the squirrel behind the bench, they wouldn't look at the camera.




Now we are halfway down.

At this point you go back behind the falls. I know it's a terrible picture, you can't see the kids, but I thought it would give you an idea of what it's like behind the falls. There was a slight breeze which was blowing the water in our direction so we were getting a little misted on.

Here is Carson on the way back up the trail, which is one big loop that goes down to the pool at the bottom and then back up.


Resting on the way back up.

After hiking we checked into our camp sight, or cabin, same thing. Then we explored the trails, which are everywhere. We found this covered bridge.

Here is our home-sweet-home cabin. It doesn't have a bathroom, or water, so we were definately camping.

A look inside the front room. That futon pulls out into a bed, where Lance and I slept.

The back room, with the bunk beds and another double bed that you can't see.

The front door. Yes, I know there was a fridge and microwave, but as of June 1st they will no longer have those (fire safety). We were lucky it was still May!

Sydney liked roasting leaves over the fire.

I was pretty sure our food was well put away, but in the morning we found 3 punctured capri suns on the front porch,

and the bread bag had been torn open, with the bread half eaten. Funny thing, all our food was in a big rubbermade container with the lid on! Those sneeky animals! The kids thought it was hilarious.

There were lot of trails leading to the creek. We love exploring them and playing by the water.

Carson likes to make this face.

Yea for camping!

We found a spot where there's a bunch of logs that cross the river. I took Sydney across it.
Going across the log. Sydney was brave!

Then of course, Tyson wanted to cross too, so Lance helped him.

The trails and bridges were neverending. I wish we could've stayed longer to check them all out!

Dirt Mountain

The frog and tadpole puddle in the lot across the street has been sold and they've started building, so now there's a mountain of dirt there instead. Crazy that the mountain in literally in the exact spot where Sydney was catching tadpoles only 2 weeks ago. She was sad the tadpoles all died, but they sure love the mountain!

Overkill on Pictures of Deck

Ok, so I know I've ton several blogs on the new deck already, and you're probably tired of looking at our deck, but I had to add this one. I promise this is the last one. We got the ceiling fan installed, and Lance stained the rafters yesterday. I also wanted to show the color of the wood in the sunlight.

Sydney's First T-Ball Game

Well, finally some good weather, the game is on! Here they are warming up.They start out in the field, she's in ready position.

Next it's time to bat, keep your eye on the ball Sydney!


Good job! She made it to first. Make sure to run to second when the girl hits the ball.

Sydney, run! Run! Wait, she knows that girl from school, gotta say hi first.

OK, now she can run to second.

Still running. Wait, not to third! Go back, go back!

Now she's in the field again. Sydney loves to make little mountains with the dirt.

Get in ready position again, with the little mountain of dirt right in front.

Here she is running into home!

Good job team!

High five everyone! Wait, Lance wants to see the tall girls birth certificate.