Abby . 11 months

Abby . 11 months old

18 1/2 lbs

getting more hair and growing taller

loves to read books

favorite book is Hand, Hand, Fingers Thumb

learned to shake her head no

super fast crawler and into everything

loves to play patty cake while you hold her hands and do it

she also loves to grab my hands and clap them together

giggles when her brothers play, "Where's the Baby"

has a cute round tummy and the fun giggle when we tickle her

took her first tumble down the first set of stairs- luckily no injuries

discovered the dishwasher and loves to stand up to it while I load the dishes

can pull herself up to a standing position

loves to play with the pedals and the keys at the piano while someone is playing

eats anything you put in front of her

can stand up in her bed

loves to play with my bathtub knobs

pulls all the clothes out of the laundry basket

Redwood Adventure . Day 3

FERN CANYON

(photo courtesy of my friend Jen)

Before heading home we walked through Fern Canyon. It came highly recommended from our friends who hiked it their first day at the Redwoods. This was also only a ten minute drive from our camp. It was so amazing and I wish we could've spent a couple of more hours there. We were so glad that we wore our water sandals because it was one of those trails that keeps crossing through the creek. This is the kind of stuff we love. Mike and I used to hike creek trails when we were first married and loved it. Andrew was beyond excited to walk the creek trail. I think Peter would have been just as adventurous but he hurt his foot earlier that morning. Mike carried him on his shoulders most of the way. The water was extremely cold and my feet never did get used to the water. After crossing a couple of times Emma decided it was way too cold and so we made a game of flying her across the creek everytime we crossed. She loved it. When we got to the end of the creek trail Andrew was so mad that we were making our way up the trail to a regular dirt trail. He wanted to stay near the water so bad. It was tempting to go back the same way we came just so we could play longer in the creek. We were so glad that we continued on the trail because the second half was just as beautiful and I am glad that we were able to see it. If only we didn't have to make the long drive home! Who would have thought that ferns could be so stunning!!

(another Jen wonder)

PACKING UP AND GOING HOME

We were all a little sad to leave. We had so much fun with our friends. We are looking forward to future camping/hiking trips with these fabulous friends of ours. On the way home we decided to drive along the Oregon coast. It was spectacular! Wish we could have stayed there longer too--darn having to be back for work!

Redwood Adventure . Day 2

MORNING BREAKFAST

We all slept as well as can be for camping and got up to Mike making breakfast for everyone. We divided all the meals between the families and this morning was our turn. Mike was an excellent chef. The spread consisted of pancakes, eggs, bacon, strawberries, OJ and milk. The line for the pancakes seemed to be never ending. The kids would finish their pancakes and get in line for more. Dave and the kids cooked the bacon over the fire and they were gone as quick as they were made. I don't think any of the adults really got bacon. After breakfast we headed up to the Tall Trees Trailhead for a 3 1/2 mile loop around the big Redwood trees.

REDWOOD TRAIL AND CREEK

How do I even begin to explain how beautiful and magestic the Redwood trees were. The trail was quite and serene and I felt so small compared to the large trees that stood on both sides of the trail. We followed the 3 1/2 mile loop around the Tall Trees Trail and stopped along the creek for a mandatory rest stop. One of the things I noticed when we first started walking was the random trees that had once fallen over the trail. A small section was cut so as to not block the trail. Another interesting thing I noticed as I was walking along the trail were the many trees that seemed to be intertwined with neighboring trees. Along with the beautiful ferns were many patches of bright green clovers. Emma was drawn to the clovers and I would periodically find er picking bunches of them and holding them like a bouquet of flowers.

About half way down the trail we stopped by the neighboring creek for some sunshine. Most of the kids took their shoes off and went exploring in the water. Some found cool rocks while others found water life. I think someone even found a cool looking frog. As for Mike, he just stood in the water and I could sense how peaceful he was--a true blessing for such a busy man. The girls both walked in the water with me and Abby thoroughly enjoyed the water on her feet.

The rest of the trail was fascinating and as we headed back up the trail to the beginning we quickly got tired as the end was all uphill. I was so grateful for Rachel Baker who helped distract Emma the entire way. It's so nice to make new friends!

ELK IN THE MEADOWS

Along the road heading back to camp and in the meadow near our campsite we were able to enjoy all the wild Elk. They are such neat creatures and we were able to get fairly close to watch them.