Not so far from home

We've been sick around here this week so we haven't wandered far from home, but maybe that is a blessing in it's self because we had some chores to see to.  But first things first- a lazy morning in bed.

As I said before, Seth must start his day with a little "Ellie Time"

And surprising enough, Ellie doesn't always seem to mind it.  Or maybe she just loves lazy mornings in bed as much as the rest of us.

This week not only did we catch colds, but the temp. dropped outside too and the rain finally came.  Boy did we need it!

The chickens showed that they are smarter than they look and knew when to get out of the rain.

My son, on the other hand, maybe isn't so bright (or maybe he is just a true Washingtonian).  He found where the water was streaming off our awning and got excited and stood under it like a shower- which he loves.  He got completely soaked and had to be changed from head to toe, but he had a wonderful time and I couldn't help but let him.

Seth's not the only one who enjoyed the rain- the dandelions sprang back to life and the grass remembered that it's supposed to be green!

But with all the rain it was time to get to work.  Andrew (Joel's stepson) came for a visit and jumped right in.

The beauty of having two mowers is all the 'boys' can get in on the fun.

Seth's an old hand at this (or so he thinks) and doesn't need Dad's help, he's got it handled.

One last drive by to say hi to Great Grandpa, who's enjoying watching all the activity.

I love Washington and all of its many season's and moods- bring on the sun, the rain, and the storms that will.

Our Ellie

I'm a little new to this blog thing and I see now that I loaded all the images in reverse, so I highly recommend that you start at the bottom and scroll up :)

My two babies- Life Is Good!

Joel cant wait until she is old enough to go scuba diving with him.   For now she will just be out little mermaid.

He couldn't wait to hold her and he still can't get enough.  First thing every morning he climbs into bed with us and after sitting down with the pillows just right, demands its his turn to hold the 'BABY' (one of the words he has more than perfected).

Seth couldn't have been more excited.  He thought we had brought him the best present ever.

Aunt Janice gave her her first manicure and pedicure.  Check out those LONG fingers and feet and toes!

Dad (Joel) got to give her her first bath.

Janice kept everyone from Grandma Sharon to everyone on Facebook continuously updated using her iphone (for all those who have wondered, no I wasn't texting updates between contraction and breathing exercises.

Her favorite 'Aunt Janice' was there to welcome Ellie into the world.

Yes, that is RED hair.  

At 6:30 pm Ellie Woodson was born after a relatively smooth labor and delivery.

After many months and much anticipation, on May 7th it was finally time to head for the hospital.

Boulder River Falls Hike

The baby's here and I'm finally able to get out and get some exercise, so we decided to get ambitious and take a hike with the whole family.

Boulder River Trail near Darrington, WA is a beautiful hike among old growth trees, accompanied by the sound of the nearby rushing river and the best of nature.

Parts of the trail are a nice gentle walk that even Seth could tackle.

Its kind of fun and unnerving to walk under some of the big trees that have given into time and rain and now bridge the trail along the way.

There are a couple of different falls along the way that the trail passes right by.  They make a refreshing stopping point to catch your breath and enjoy the cooling spray.

This trail is well maintained and there are fun little surprises such as this bridge they made.

Most of the hike is in the shade so the fungus grows abundantly.

The second falls made a perfect turn around point and a good place to rest before facing the return trip.  Joel carried Seth almost the entire distance and was feeling it!

The river water has a milky color to it because of the glacier melt off.

The moss hanging in the sunlight was beautiful in the late afternoon sun.

Our steam is gone and our muscles and feet are tired and we are ready to go home, but this is a hike we would do again and again.  I recommend it to anyone who loves the beauty of the great outdoors.

For those who would like a little detail, to my best guess the first falls is about a mile in and the second falls is another mile to a mile and a half further and a little bit more work to get to.

We hope to go on weekly hikes throughout the summer so stay posted for future updates.