You Don't See That Every Day

We've had some adventures these past few summers ( 1, 2, 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ) We're trying to soak up the precious remaining time with our kids. In 2 years the oldest could be out of the house. Not that I see it happening that soon, but it could. Gulp. So we decided to get an early start this year. The sunshine beckoned, and despite the cooler temps, we packed up and headed out to the woods. This trip we drove out to Opal Creek. What I thought was going to be an easy afternoon hike, say, 3 miles or so, actually ended up being 8 miles. Yowsa. And the kids were such troopers through it all! Especially the youngest. She walked most of it, with four of us taking turns carrying her occasionally. We walked along a rough road/trail that had plenty to see next to it. We saw waterfalls of different sizes, a creek, plenty of forest, bridges to cross (both scary and not-so-scary kinds). There is an old mining area there that has equipment laying around, parts that once be

 Many dream of candlelight dinners and fancy chocolates for St. Valentines' Day. I've always been a little different. There was that one Valentines when my brand-new husband of 9 months took me to a shooting range for a treat. This year we had a family holiday.  We took the kids to an OSU women's basketball game. The team is nationally ranked - 7th! - and they are so fun to watch! Little K decided to stay at my sister and brother-in-laws house with my other sister; the rest of us went to see the Beavs crush the Wildcats. And it was a crush. 73-48 final score.  I'm not so good at taking selfies, but my girl is pretty cute. And we saw Abe Lincoln there - good to know he is an OSU fan.  It was a lovely day, with family; the first hot dogs and burgers of the year, along with potato salad at lunchtime. And then a 3 mile walk with my Mr (without kids!) It was a great way to 'celebrate' this holiday.

In my corner of the world this past week: The Mr. found a new car. I don't know if it will fit all 7 of us   Little K has been a big helper around here. She is nearing 5 yrs old and growing in leaps lately - here is what she wrote (with help!) to her daddy (I will miss you daddy)  She helped make jam this week And she demonstrated her awesome coaching strategies on the whiteboard I've been reading a new author - David Rosenfeldt ; good mysteries and not so scary that I can't sleep at night. Basketball season is winding down. The Boy has one game left (sob) and the girls have about 3 each to go; so I get my fix a little longer.

We have a lot of hair around this house. 5 females. Long hair. It gets around. Usually I have to deal with it in the vacuum cleaner or shower drains. Today however, was a new adventure in Hair. As I prepared the pancakes, I realized that the child who went into the bathroom was in there for a long time, being very quiet. Thinking nothing of it, I kept on preparing the grub for the minions. A few minutes later the 9 yr old walked out and presented me with this:    A comb. Stuck. In. Her. Hair.  I shook my head, abandoned the pancake batter, and got to work. As I tugged and turned, I tried to get into her mind (proceed with caution when doing this!)  "What were you doing?" I asked. "Trying to curl my hair around the comb." Aha. Of course. She did it because she was curious. And that I totally get. She is so like me, in more than just looks.  After a very long time, I gave up. Yep. Totally gave up, and said, "You try for awhile." I don