Pine Grove Adventure Day

We spent the day out searching for a new place Jason had heard about. We explored the Wah Wahs and Indian Peaks and found some fun places to camp and explore. Our objective was to find the Pine Grove reservoir. The canyon is pretty with huge ponderosas and old mining buildings. We stopped there to picnic and climb around.  We drove until we were almost stuck and then tried some more.

We finally found the reservoir on the way out of the canyon.We'd missed it going up because I was pointing to something up on the mountain so we went right by it.

From here we could see across the valley to the Indian Peak mountain range.

(I spy Jason up in the trees)

Mason wants to know "is this cow poop?"

Poor Eli was still not feeling great. He slept most of the time.

Though Jase was hoping for Elk, I thought the antelope were awesome.  

 

When leaving the Pine Grove area Jason noticed one of our tires was low. We drove out to the main dirt road to change it. I was feeling proud of our level of preparedness, we packed extra blankets, food, water, and first aid supplies. One thing we didn't count on was a spare that didn't fit.  The surprise of not having a tire to switch out was quickly followed by the realization that we were really far out. We talked to some guys that drove by and then decided to slowly head out on the low tire. We went home a different way so that we weren't in the boon docks. We made it to the highway fine and it was still holding some air so we continued on. I texted Dad when the spotty cell service came through so he would know about where we were. Jason stopped at a ranch house and we were able to use an air compressor. The tire held all the way home and we felt lucky the problem wasn't worse. Poor Dad. He was all geared up and ready for a rescue.

All things considered it was a wonderful way to spend a spring Saturday.

vent

I give up. It's noon and I'm ready for this day to be over. Or maybe a do-over? I think I'll vent here so that when Jason gets home he will be spared from my drah-mah! I didn't sleep well. Woke up to a headache. Jason had early meetings so it's up to me to get myself and the boys to church before nine. It's not easy to do on a normal day but we also had a late night and Eli's been sick. I have to remember not to say the word hurry to Mason because he either goes into triple times slow motion or he just starts screaming. It's a crazy windy gray day so I didn't even do my hair after I showered and just let it go all Madusa like. I thought I actually pulled off an on time arrival. Then as I pulled out of the drive I realized the low tire from yesterday was completely flat. I put the boys in jackets and figured we'd walk. Jason called and came to the rescue, but we were late. Hey, the Starrs are finally here. Let's walk in late and sit in the front while the whole chapel waits and watches so the prayer can begin. Aaaand it's ward conference so the place is packed. Before I can catch my breath the boys are whining and wiggling and I'm losing hope. Eli is screaming soon so we're out in the hall. By the third hour I just quit. I pack up our bag and walk out. Then I remember I don't have a car. Well walking is good for you so we head to the trail. Too bad the shortcut to get to the trail is muddy. Shoes off. It doesn't matter. I finally think things are looking up when our infamous wind comes gusting into town. I'm certain I'm about to pull a "Marilyn" all the way home so I juggle Eli and my bad to one arm and try to hold my skirt down with the other without dropping my shoes or losing my sanity. We're almost to our street when Eli starts pulling on the hair at the back of my head. Why why why? When did he pick up that strange habit? I hope Jason remembers to pick up Mason from nursery.

I'm not sure that any of these things are particularly annoying. Shoot, that means it's me... nap time please.

a real snapshot of our life

I love coming across pictures on the camera that really capture our life. This one especially shows a lot about the men in my life.
Here's Jason. On a bike. Smiling. Being a good dad.
Here's Mason. Being silly. Wearing whatever he felt like putting on. Having fun.
Here's Eli. Crazy hair. Wanting to be part of the action. Growing up too fast.


I'm a lucky girl. 

Getting festive for St. Pats

The basement was finally ready for paint so we went bold and green for St. Patrick's. (These pictures tone down the "spring green" quite a bit.)

Just wait until you see what we paint for Easter!


{I spy Lightening McQueen underwear}

 

 

This is one of my favorite holidays so we had lots of fun getting ready throughout the week. We had company so I decided against the traditional corned beef, red potatoes, and cabbage. Instead we packed in tons of green veggies and had fajitas and quinoa salad. Oh, and spinach muffins but I had to fill them with pudding to encourage consumption.

I searched high and low for green punch. Not just any green punch but the kind from my childhood. It comes in a milk-style jug and tastes like melted popsicles. I've truly been craving it for years. I thought this would be the perfect occasion to indulge but alas, it was no where to be found. As I inquired at different grocery stores I gathered it may have been off the shelves for the years. I was tempted to buy as many green popsicles as I could find and try to recreate the flavor but gave in and just made lemonade. 

the boys

It's really hard to get pictures of both the boys. Inevitably one will be looking away or moving too fast or screaming at the other one for whatever reason. I tried and tried to get pictures of them. No success. So I waited until they were just hanging out. Mason is playing on the iPod; Eli is playing with my lens cap. You can see about half of each of their faces. Close enough.

Also, I love toes. 


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