Penn State Chics Dig Nerds

We went to Trough Creek tonight for a small hike and campfire dinner.  The last time we went out here to Trough Creek SP , Brady was only about six weeks old and Natalee was a few months shy of being 2 years old. Needless to say, the hike was a little different this time because we did not have to carry anyone!  It was a really nice evening to go out hiking.  We did not see any other people on the hike, so it was nice an peaceful. Rainbow Falls is right behind the kids, but it is not much of a fall right now.  More like a trickle.  From here, we hiked up the stone steps to the top of the ridge.  That's where we found Natalee trying to push over the Balanced Rock!  The Balanced Rock rests perilously on the edge of the hillside.  After hiking back down to our car, we found a beautiful picnic table near Copperas Rock.  While waiting for our charcoal to heat up, the kids immensely enjoyed throwing rocks in to Trough Creek. The sa...

Last night  I saw what appeared to be a hummingbird on my butterfly bush.  It ended up not being a hummingbird.  It was a Snowberry Clearwing Moth (It is sometimes called a hummingbird moth).  Regardless, they were pretty to watch.  And, they sure could fly around quickly back and forth, giving the appearance of a hummingbird!

This morning we went to the "Wake Up" Reception at the Raystown Visitors Center.  It was pouring down rain, so I figured we might as well go.  We got to eat a free breakfast (which wasn't anything to brag about).  We also got to see an owl from Shaver's Creek Environmental Center.  We won some of the door prizes.  I won a $10 Hoss's Gift Card-- which is too bad since I don't care to eat at Hoss's!  Brady won a little book that has something to do about a Civil War diary/sketchbook.  I was hoping to win the 1/2 day kayak rental or the one night free cabin rental, but oh well! Since we were one of the first 50 people at the reception, we were given a free ride on "The Princess " which is a cruise boat that tours part of Raystown Lake. Natalee and I on the boat, getting ready to leave.  At this point, Natalee asked me, "Where are the princesses?"  I think she was expecting Disney princesses to be on the boat ride!  Oops. Brad...

I'm just blogging about this because Brady is going to need to see this some day.  He is completely "all boy", but occasionally, his sister talks him into dressing up with her.  A few days ago when it was rainy outside Natalee talked him into dressing up.   He opted not to go with the more boy-like costumes like the motorcycle jacket or the sheriffs outfit.  I'm not concerned about him, but I think this could be used as blackmail someday! My little "princesses" Mr. Princess momentarily stole the hat from Natalee. Natalee stole it back and a tickle fight ensued! She got to keep the hat. Then, yesterday I came into the room to find them both putting on jewelry.  I have to say this did not last long with Brady, though.