Spring Break; we survived vol. One

Spring Break 2010: We survived - the beginning of the week was met with an Easter Egg Hunt and all manner of nail decor. 

Unfortunate rainy Easter Egg Hunt at our church...literally the heavens opened up right as the kids were going out on the hunt. I was sick at home (perfect start to the break).

Diva nails on Evelyne

Twinkle toes on Gilbert

Nail Decor:  Yes, for Evelyne AND Gilbert. I can't tell him no; some guys wear polish and who am I to judge. Evelyne received a kit for Christmas and we hadn't opened it yet so this was a treat. They reminded me of the infamous "Lee Press on Nail" kits that were popular when I was in middle school. My friend, Dawn and I, loved wearing them. One time we actually wore them in public, thinking we were so elegant and grown up until an old lady said in a funny cute voice "oooohhh, don't you girls look nice, I like your nails." That was it, we realized we weren't so grown up and just felt stupid.

Monticello Antique Mall

Mom, Gilbert, Me and Evelyne having a snack at the cafe

Next we visited theMonticello Antique Mallin NE Portland on 86th and Stark. What a fabulous place. I definitely want to go back sans enfants but we had fun looking around albeit rather hurriedly. We stopped for an amazing snack of coffee and pastries (key lime bars and chocolate brownie) in the cafe.

Then off to IKEA to visit my sister and get some shopping in. They have all of their outdoor stuff in right now so we simply HAD to go. For the first time Gilbert and Evelyne could play in the Smaland....so fantastic, one hour of shopping while the kids played and played..it was fun for all.

...more to come later!

sheer insanity

I should have learned...years ago...and have made the mistake more than once by trusting the Knights when it comes to outdoor recreation. This past weekend we went to Sunriver 30+ people in all. We had a great time visiting and soaking in the hot tub. Saluting with multiple margaritas, and taking turns watching each others' kids. That part was good.
So, you all see that map? That was our Saturday outing, a seemingly mild 4 mile snowshoe loop around Swampy Lakes in Central Oregon. It was called the "porcupine trail" and as we said by the end, the phrase "mountain goat" is a much better name. You see those black lines? That is where the skiiers go, a mild trail to the shelter, and a mild trail back. You see those red "devil" lines? That is the snowshoer's trail; a mild trek to the shelter, and a torturous punishment back. Now, I want to say, the only one actually looking at the map before said adventure was Nathan, who was on back country skis. Nick, Becky, Camryn, Evelyne, Gilbert and I were all the snowshoe groupies.
I also want to put this other bit of information out there....children on backs. I was carrying Gilbert on my back for the last 2 miles after the shelter and Nathan had Evelyne. She was a great little snowshoer for the first almost 2 miles but was pooped after that. Nick was carrying Camryn the entire time.
So, as you can see from the map, we went up a bit of a butte that entirely kicked our butts. I honestly have never been more exhausted and didn't think I had it in me. Thank goodness I've been working out or I'd really have been in trouble. We all made it back safe & sound. The closest thing I can think of as to why on earth it is called "porcupine" trail is that your calves feel penetrated by porcupine quills....and mine still do.