Lost Maples {day 2}

Day two our friends the Zuehl's joined us for the day.  We decided to drive down to the city Utopia where the river was damned up a bit and we didn't have to hike a mile (carrying all 5 kids) just to get to water deeper than our ankles.

 Kelsey liked the water here much better! It wasn't as cold and had a better walk-in area. She sat and picked up rocks and leaves most of the afternoon with our favorite twins (they're four months younger than her).

 The Daddies and toddlers tried their hands at fishing again.

 more rock throwing, splashing, ans swimming.

 All four of us even got in the same shot ;)

 After we'd had our fill of water play we headed back to the campsite for dinner and dessert.  The older girls helped make cobbler - My dad recently told me his favorite cobbler is mixed berry, so I thought we'd best try it.

 waiting for the coals to get hot is tough work.

 mmm. approved.  Much better than the standard 'peach'.

 These two are the best of friends.  Rylee was so excited for her friend to come join us for the day.  She had a whole list of things she wanted to show and tell about.  They love each other and when Rylee is gouchy and cries she often says "I want my friend Lily". This picture is priceless.

Lost Maples SNA

A few weeks back we went on a little camping trip.  We stayed at Lost Maples State Park which is just under 2 hrs from our home. I'd been itching for a little get away for a while.  Relaxing in the outdoors 'away from it all'.

 

We stayed 3 nights- the perfect amount.

 

Kelsey was a bit of a challenge.  She doesn't really listen and follow directions like one would hope. We still had a great time none the less.  We got in just in time to set up camp, eat dinner and got to bed.

 

 Daddy decided to try his hand at fishing.  It was rather hot so we wanted to head to the water anyway, since the river was really low the only place to really 'swim' we had to hike about a mile to get to the pond.

 After about 6 steps Rylee told us her legs were hurting and she needed Daddy to pur her on his shoulders (I had Kelsey in the carrier) Nevermind the fact that he was also carrying his caboodle (tackle-box) and fishing pole.

We were happy to have finally made to the pond.  It was pretty, and wet.

 Rylee was very excited to get the pole out.  She was even more obsessed with the worms.

 Seriously, she loved them.

There were lots of little fish near where we entered the water.  They nibbled on our toes as we wadded in the water. Dad cast the line and needed to grab something so he handed me the pole, sure enought I reeled in a whopper.  Ok, a tiny fish, but I reeled it in anyway ;) 

 My "big catch"

 Bad Mom moment: It was quite a while later when I realized I probably should have let Rylee reel in the fish.  Oops.

Luckily she got her own turn anyway.

 She was very excited.

 It was hot, and the water felt great. . . . that is to everyone but Kelsey.

 So, she and I wadded with our feet in the water and ate snacks. Then we walked back to camp I was able to break in my new carrier.  Kelsey has kindof a love/hate relationship with it.  She did eventually fall asleep.

 After our adventure day (and Rylee refusing to nap earlier) she fell asleep as soon as she was buckled in.  Seriously, we hadn't even finished unloading gear and she was out.

In an effort to not have one gigantic post I'll break out trip into a couple posts.  Thus ending day one.

Princess Night at Chick-Fil-A

Our local chick-fil-a hosted a princess night and we decided we'd best take our princesses. It was like Mother's day all over again since I didn't have to cook or do dishes ;)

 

Rylee chose her favorite princess attire and off we went.  We found a seat and "Prince Charming" greeted us and gave Rylee a ring (of the gigantic plastic variety).  We ate dinner then decorated a princess crown:

We met some princesses: Rylee was nervous-as if she were star struck.  It was adorable. 

Belle sang a few Disney songs, painted Rylee's fingernails and sprinkled her with fairy dust.  She had business cards (apparently they do parties) and Rylee wouldn't let go of it.

 We love chick-fil-a.  Rylee often trades her toy in for ice cream (did you know you could do that?) The placemats are my favorite, and the employee's are always so helpful. Not to mention a play place with A/C. . . . its really starting to heat up 'roiund here - indoor activities are important.

We couldn't leave Kelsey out: tu-tu it is :)

 

Michael was pretty much bored, (the things you sacrifice for your daughters). . . . . he might want to get used to it ;)

Mother's Day

I had a lovely Mother's day. My favorite 'gift' may or may not have been the fact that I didn't have to teach the youth sunday school class (since they were all teaching primary).

 Hugs from my girls are always accepted and Kelsey is starting to be more free in giving those open -mouth kisses.

 She's got some pretty big front teeth a few other's are starting to pop up so they don't seem so huge and lonely in there ;)

 the sweet little monster-

Books

Rylee really loves to be read too.  We enjoy going to story time each week (though we change up which library we go to (we're inbetween 2-3 hoping rumors of one being built closer are indeed true). Lately she's REALLY taken to reading in bed after she's been tucked in, partially because the sun hasn't completely set by bedtime, though there's been a few times where its pitch black and she's still thumbing pages.  I don't usually mind as she's quiet and eventually falls asleep . . . . . albeit with a book propt up.

 I found a few older book related photos: Reading to Kelsey

 This used to be what her bed looked like. usually after nap time but a couple times I'd have to clear it out so she could lay down.

 and stuck trying to find the right book.

I've started reading her chapter books too.  I had Charlotte's Web that we enjoyed together (hearing her say "salutations!" is the best). Then last weekend I hit up a rummage sale (the hoa hosts a garage sale twice a year in the sports park so its all in one spot- I've been a few times but this year I'd had the most success) and found a bunch of Rainbow Fairy books so we've started reading those.  They are better since there is a sketch on each page and a bit shorter.  She asks to read the "special book" and thinks the book marks are awesome.  Any other series similar to the Rainbow Fairies out there you've liked?  I like to change it up a bit ;)

Kelsey likes to carry books around more than sit through a reading, but we try :)