Not a catchup just a POSTING

Well, I have been getting a lot of flack about not posting anything for over a year.  So since you all have asked for it..... 
 

 

Max and Mom and a Dandelion

We decided that before my belly gets too big, that we should do a camping trip.  This is not "Gerke" style camping, but going to a KOA with running water, electricity, hot showers and flushing toilets.  So last weekend over Mother's Day we went to southern Kentucky.  We really just relaxed a lot, let Max run and chase the birds and enjoy being outside with a little freedom to roam, which we don't give him here since we are afraid of him getting run over in out Apartment Complex.

The highlight of our trip was a visit to Mammoth Caves National Park.  It was a beautiful day and we went on a tour of "The New Entrance" which was really one of the first entrances into the cave.  We went down 250+ feet below the surface and that was the part that Max really disliked.  I ended up carrying him the whole way.  Once down, there was more room for Max to feel comfortable and he hiked like a champ.

The tour was very informative on the caves, how they were discovered and also how they are formed.  I really learned a lot even though I did know quite a bit since I grew up with caves in my back yard and my Dad knowing so much about them.

The highlight of the tour was the very end, where all the formations are.  Lots of flows, stalactites and stalagmites, etc.  It really reminded us of Timpanogas Caves (which have a lot more formations than the part we saw).

Max and Mom in Mammoth Caves

By the time that we where out of the cave, the temperature was close to 80.  There was a nice picnic area where Max could run some more and we could eat.  Then we went back to camp and took a much needed nap (Well, Max and I did).

Max and Daddy gathering sticks for a campfire
 

The low light of our trip was the very next day, Mother's Day.  We had 50 mph wind gusts, and lots of rain.  We were all cold and hadn't planned very well on what to do in all the weather.  We tried the Mall, but Max could only handle so much wandering aimlessly, so we ended up back at camp trying to get Max to go to sleep.  The wind finally stopped about 4 am and the next day we were able to pack up in the sunshine.

 

Max Learning to drive a bit early

Overall, a great trip and as my step mom said "A Mother's Day to remember"

Summer Reading Fun

Our family is going to participate in the Kalamazoo Summer Reading Program. I am pretty sure that the Parchment Library is participating too. I don't know what the Portage and Vicksburg libraries are doing. Here are the websites:
Child Link
Adult Link

Binder Park Zoo?

Does anyone want to go to the zoo before it gets too warm?

I know it is kind of pricey, but I think it is something Jadyn would enjoy because she loves animals.

Playgroup 18 May

I thought that playgroup was a great success today. I took Lindsey's playgroup email and invited those on that list to this blog. Hopefully we can keep getting together. If you know of anyone else who you want to be a part of this blog, forward them your invite, invite them through settings, or let me know the email address.
Playgroup 18 May 10 a.m Spring Valley park at the set of two playsets(little and big).

Parchment Park Play Group?

Anyone up for meeting at the park behind the library on Fridays at 9 or 10 am? Or, any other ideas for a get together?

Co-Ed Softball?

Mama Laughead this is a wonderful idea. So glad that you thought of it! Thank you for inviting me.

Well, I heard from Kasey that she is joining a softball team and it got me interested and thinking. Jonathan and I love to play softball and I was wondering if any of you know how to sign up or where to get more information about city or county co-ed softball teams. Is it too late? It would be so much fun to create our own husband and wife team from K2. Anyone interested?

A Small Hike and World Record Walk

I want to do this little hike at the bottom of this page: www.naturecenter.org/visitorinfo/trails.htm
I don't know why that isn't working as a link. Sorry, I guess you'll have to copy and paste.
I am just trying to incorporate little healthy things into my lifestyle so that I will be a good example for my children. And because it is good for me too. Like this walk that I am doing on the 19th: www.wheatfoods.org They really did send me a pedometer. I know that Kasey and Julie signed up for this too. I am excited to be part of a world record that promotes health.