Bubbles.

I love summer.

I love being outdoors on a perfect day.

I love Julia in dresses.

I love how much Julia loves bubbles.

Creeking.

This summer, I am thankful for friends with children who enjoy going on outings so that i am not stuck alone with my children constantly.

Amen.

Last Thursday, Rachel and her kids (plus one babysitting kid) and me with my two girls all headed over to Bear Creek Nature Center. I had heard from a couple of people that the place was fabulous and had trails that would be easy for families with little ones. And, since my friends and I had decided to venture out on field trips with the kids over the summer, we thought it'd be a great place to start.

The center itself was awesome with a lot of stuff to look at and explore.

But, the trails were even better!!! It was a gorgeous day.
Julia declared herself the leader and kept yelling, "Come on guys!" over her chubby little shoulder.



The views were beyond gorgeous. My camera did them no justice.
Julia needed frequent snacks to keep her going. ;)

The kids loved this creek.

Oh, and drinks. She needed drinks often as well.
Ebeth and Mabel.

Julia started it. She put her foot in the creek. So, of course, the other kids wanted to as well.

Pretty soon, they were high tailing it down the creek like otters!



Rachel making friends with the kindly old gentleman trail person. Rachel knows no strangers. :)

Julia was not to be left out. She demanded to be in the creek too.






The kids (and me, since we felt at least one grown-up should follow them) were creeking for at least 40 minutes. Then we headed back to the car.

All in all, we were at the park for 2.5 hours. The kids LOVED it and have begged to go back again. I already have plans of making Evan come join us next time. It was a perfect day!

My Potted Garden

I am frustrated with my computer. I don't know if it's because it is an ancient piece of machinery or if maybe the mouse needs replaced or if it's just me, but I have tried to put this post up for 3 days now.

Grr...

Anyway, I am doing it now and I shall not dwell on the frustrating.


About a week or so ago, I went with Rachel and Kim to Rachel's brother's greenhouse. He was having a whole sale sale and I really wanted to get my potted garden officially started. So, we oohed and aahed at the beautifulness that was the greenhouse (I will have to post that later, since I was having picture trouble and they wouldn't load to this post).

And, I came home with these...

Herbs, peppers, strawberries and a gift for Elisabeth's teacher on her last day of school.
Verbena.
And marigolds, which remind me of our home town--The Marigold Capitol. :)
Here's the front house. Please note the beautiful sun that Evan and the girls bought me for Mother's Day.
Do you like the arched plant holders? Thanks! I found them on the curb. ;)

My potted vegetable garden!!! Here you see tomato plants, peppers, basil and strawberries.

My lettuce!!! I have been growing them from seeds and I am so proud of them!!!!
My rhubarb. I have high hopes for them but they haven't decided if they want to live yet or not.
I will definitely be keeping you all updated on my super interesting plant going-ons. I'm sure you all are just sitting on the edge of your seats in anticipation. Right? Right????