Nature is Fun?

Our family bonded with nature this weekend. It started on Sat., when we spent 4 1/2 hours at the ward garden. It needed a lot of weeding, and fertilizing ,so we decided to begin our day there.

Our next adventure with nature came in the way of a *nature* walk. We decided to try a different park for a hike. Hmmm...it started out OK, we came across a beautiful bridge.

After that things got worse. We ended up on a trail that didn't look like anyone else had been on all year. The trail wasn't groomed, and there was stinging nettle, branches, and trees on the path. Why did we not turn around you ask? Well we also happened upon the worst, and I am not exaggerating, field of mosquitoes I have ever seen. We literally were jogging through trying to get away from them all. We had sprayed ourselves with repellent before we started, but they obviously did not mind the spray.:) Kale ended up on Lee's shoulders so we could move faster.

So, we didn't turn around because we didn't want to face the angry mosquitoes again. Lee went first to warn us of potential poison ivy, which we did spot, but avoided, thank heavens. :) We finally made it back to the car 2miles later! We all received quite a few bites, but nothing serious. We did take the kids for ice cream after, for being so good on our hike, and helping in the garden.

So for those visiting NW Ohio, avoid the Turkeyfoot area of the Mary Jane Thurston State Park!

Side note: Lee wants everyone to know that he had a fantastic time despite the trail. *maybe next time, he can hike that trail himself. :)*

Happy Day!

On Sunday it was a Celebration all around! It was Father's Day, and my birthday! That doesn't happen to often, but it was fun! The only hard part was each of us was trying make sure the other person didn't have to do anything that day.=)

Lee is a great Dad. He has always enjoyed his children, and spending time with them. He has always stepped up to help, and never complains about what he needs to do for the kids. I am so lucky to have him in my life. It has been a great 10 years!

I was spoiled, and got an Mp3 player, gift cards, and money! Good day for everyone!

Columbus

On Friday we went on a road trip to Columbus. We had never ventured that way before, so we were excited to check it out. Our main reason to go, was Family Temple Day for our ward. Our primary was so great to plan an activity at the meetinghouse across the parking lot so our children would be entertained while we, as adults, visited the Temple. It was about a 2 hour drive to get there, so not to bad. We had a lovely time there, and enjoyed ourselves. Here is the ward members that went with us. We thought since we were already in Columbus, we would visit the Zoo. The Columbus Zoo has a great reputation, and we decided to check them out! It wasn't very busy and we were able to see almost everything. The kids enjoyed the close encounter sections, and riding on the boat!

Carson enjoyed looking at the pheasants, and the flamingos were very pretty! They were feeding the rhinos when we happened by. They pick everything up with their lips! This silver-backed gorilla was cruising around protecting his herd. He was very large!

This Komodo Dragon was trying to smell us with his tounge. We had fun, and hopefully we can return sometime with our kids.

Bad Hair Day

Mara has curly hair. Sometimes when she wakes up, her hair is a little crazy. Love it!

Summer Fun!

We are really enjoying our summer! We have been trying to stay busy, so we don't just sit around bored. We have a Zoo pass and are trying to use it frequently. We also try to walk around the preserve every chance we get. The kids are starting co-ed softball, and T-ball this week, and the city pool is open to use. Plenty of things to do. We love summer! Now if I can just get them to sleep in later life would be great.

*side note* Lee and I have started jogging recently. Lee is up to running 8 miles. I can't fathom that, but I can jog 2 miles now. Fun stuff!

Reality Check

I was sad today to find out that a blog I was following was not being honest with their situation. It was a blog referred to me by a friend, who was touched by the struggles they were encountering. While I am not one to donate or send items to random strangers, I know many other fellow bloggers had sent things. It was found they were being deceptive, and not truthful about much of anything. It saddens me to see blogging being used this way (I know, I am not that naive to think that this is the first time).

I know scams are everywhere, but to use the facade of being pregnant, and having a fatal prenatal diagnosis, as a way to make money or receive gifts is an all time low. I don't understand how people can blog about their baby and how she will not survive much past birth when it is not true! It hurts others who really have been in those situations, and are trying to blog as a way to journal their experience.

It was a reality check,(again), to be very careful about what you are reading and whether it is really the truth. Everyone should be extra careful when judging who really is legit or not.

Washington DC photos