More Hiking Adventures

A week or so ago, Julie and I and our collective children hiked Wheeler Mountain. At the beginning of the trail, we found lots and lots of wild blueberry bushes. 

Lots of exploring along the way.

The kids found this little cave. 

Somehow, I didn't take any photos of the spectacular view from Wheeler. I'm sure Julie did, so keep an eye on her blog.

Then yesterday, Wes, Cole, Heather, and I hiked up Pisgah. Wayne had planned to come, but a last minute invitation to his friend Ben's house apparently sounded like a better offer. Here are Cole and Heather at the beginning of the trail.

 Heather signs in the log book.

There are lots of huge boulders along the way to climb around on.

We didn't go all the way to the summit. Cole was not feeling well. So we enjoyed the view from this look out point and headed back down.

After all the rain and sweltering heat we've put up with, we're really enjoying these beautiful, comfortable, and sunny days.

More Summer Fun

When Heather goes to her friend Anya's house, they like to do some horseback riding.

I think we should get her a horse.

Canonball

This is what summer is all about.

Hiking

Heather and I hiked Mt.Hor the other day. We were eaten alive by Mosquitos. On our way home, we stopped at a little store with an ice cream window and ate really big ice cream cones. I didn't think she'd finish her's, but she ate every bite.

House of Pancakes

I've mentioned before that Wayne likes to make pancakes for breakfast. Now that baseball is over for the time being, he's back at the griddle. Look at that stack.

He made an extra large one for himself. He deserves it.

 Unfortunately, the kitchen looked like this when he was done.

Cole wanted to take a picture of the breakfast he made - apples with peanut butter.

Sportsmanship

Wayne was awarded the Frank J Smith Memorial Sportsmanship award. One player from each team in the county is named for the award. We were extremely proud.

July 4th

We had a quiet Fourth of July. We even decided to skip the madness of the parade, which turned out to be a smart decision because it started pouring at that time. 

Wayne made his traditional red, white, and blue strawberries. They were really good.

We didn't have any patriotic clothes to wear this year, so I dug out some plain white t-shirts left over from a tie dye project. Wayne, Cole, and Heather went to tow with some acrylic paint, and here we are!

We had a swim and a rainy barbecue with Joanie at camp.

When we got back home, the kids ran around the yard with sparklers. 

On Saturday, while Wes and Wayne were at the All-Star Majors State of Vermont baseball tournament, (the game was tied until Wayne scored the winning run. They lost their game on Sunday afternoon, making them the runners up for the state) I took Cole and Heather to West Glover for the fireworks. They were really impressive. Thanks Sylvia!

A Week at Shadow Lake

I'm finally getting around to posting these pictures of our week at Stuart and Emilie's camp. We were there from June 19 to the 26.

These two ducks must be the welcoming committee. As soon as we arrived they swam over and waddled up on the lawn in the hopes fo being fed. We gave them some pieces of hotdog rolls.

Heather enjoyed this train track.

On one of our days, Heather and I rode our bikes over to the other camp.

Wayne did a lot of kayaking.

And fishing, but he didn't have nearly as much luck as in past summers. Probably something to do with the weather.  He and I would get up early and go out on the quiet, clear lake. It was nice to be out there when it's so peaceful and everyone else asleep.

The duck were practically our pets. They kept us from missing Spike and Patches too much.

In the evening the kids enjoyed roasting marshmallows and making smores.

Heather patiently waited for hours for a fish to bite.

Somehow, I didn't get pictures of the kids swimming, but despite our fair share of rainy afternoons, we had a lot of sun and warm weather to get us into the water. 

Peanut Butter Cookies

This afternoon Wayne and Cole and Estelle made peanut butter cookies. I did not help them. 

  

Heather kept Lena busy with a play dough dentist toy.

When the cookies were ready we had cookies and milk on the porch. They were pure melt in your mouth deliciousness.