Penn State Chics Dig Nerds

Saturday, we went on a long drive to bike the Penn's Creek Path, which is a rail to trail on the Mid State Trail. This path is by Poe Paddy State Park. However, because of a tunnel closure on the path, we had to drive WAY around to the other side of the 3.6 mile trail. The detour probably took us an extra 45 minutes, at least. The weather was perfect for a bike ride-- 55 degrees, sunny, and no wind.  It felt chilly compared to the 90 degrees three days prior, but it was great once we started going.  I think all of the fly fishermen around agreed that it was a perfect day. Here was my riding partner. Brady rode on the bike that attaches to Jesse's bike.  Natalee rode her own bike. As soon as we started the ride, Natalee started complaining.  "I'm tired."  "I can't take this much longer!" etc, etc, etc.  Some stones went out from under her near the beginning.  Maybe that scared her???  Maybe the narrowness of the dirt portion of the pa...

Natalee was very excited to play against Will's team. The first inning, when Natalee made it to third base, they were very serious and concentrating. Natalee goofing around as she is playing first base. She would have quite an arm on her if she would remember to step with her left foot! Nice pose! This year, she is really swinging the bat hard.  When she connects, watch out! Second inning: focus has waned!

Jesse and Dad took Natalee and Brady to Raystown Lake for Carpin' for Kids.  Kids get to fish and then are provided a goody bag and lunch.  They've been wanting to go fishing for quite a while.  And, they want to go again-- and hopefully actually catch something!

Amie with a tear.  I can't remember why, though.  I took these pictures during our first warm spell back in mid April.  The pictures are too fun not to show.  I had them on the camera and forgot about them. Brady filled up his car with gas. Amie would not stay still for a picture.  So, she gave me some goofy grins.  This is hilarious.  Amie started to "tell" me and point out that Brady's dog wrinkles was in the back of the car.  Then, she headed toward Brady's car.  Amie picks on Brady a lot.  Brady does not pay as much attention to Amie, so maybe this is her way to interact more with her brother???  Anyway, it gets her into trouble! Amie crept up to wrinkles very slowly and was obviously thinking about if she could get Wrinkles without Brady fussing. But, Brady drove off just in time!  He never knew!  Amie was bummed. A beautiful little girl, by a beautiful blossoming tree Natalee tried to ...

I caught Amie dancing about a week ago to the Veggie Tales theme song.  It's kind of cute, so I thought I'd share :)

I am blessed to have 3 wonderful children, as well as a loving husband. I also am blessed to have a loving, caring mother and mother-in-law. They provide for many needs! And, I can't forget my grandmother! She lovingly cooks us lunch after our Wednesday Bible Study so that the kids can have a decent meal before going to preschool. Sunday before church, the kids presented me with cards that they made. Natalee's didn't show up well in a picture, so it's not here. I think Natalee wrote the words in Brady's card. Brady drew our whole family, completed by his dog, Wrinkles :) He told me I was the biggest one. So who has the frown??? After church, we had lunch with my mom and grandmother. Waffles belong with chicken, not breakfast :)

Natalee proudly wrote this message to her pap last evening. I found it amusing so I thought I'd share!

Sunday afternoon, we went up to camp to plant flowers where Meg was buried.  I envision Meg at our former house in Washington state laying in the grass beside my flower garden.  So, I wanted to plant some flowers to remember her.  After all, she was like my first child.   It's funny how we become so attached to animals. She was spoiled rotten, but so faithful and loving! Meg would have loved the sunshine today.  Saturday I had bought a twinleaf at the PA Native Plant Festival and then I added a bleeding heart and a black eyed susan from my own garden.  I hope to add a red columbine, too. 3 plants + 3 kids = one plant per kid Amie had a lot of fun digging.  In fact, I had to force her to give up the garden spade when we were done! Amie helped to plant the black eyed susan.  We couldn't really do anything at the site back in December.  The day she passed away was very cold and rainy.  It was the muddiest day possible. I kno...

Mom and I took the older two kids to the PA Native Plant Festival at Shavers Creek today. It was fun to do the flower scavenger hunt and look at all of their rescued birds. They have owls, bald eagles, a golden eagle, hawks, and a vulture.  Part of the scavenger hunt was drawing the flower after we found it. This is Brady's version of a red columbine.  I'm so happy that he is finally trying to draw and color things!  I could tell Natalee was trying hard not to criticize his work (she wanted him to add another part to it). And, this is Natalee's version of an American Redbud Tree.  We also found a bleeding heart, a flowering dogwood, and a wood poppy-- all native to Pennsylvania. For lunch we ate a picnic at Whipple Dam State Park....and the kids could hardly wait to get in the water! It was not very warm, but it did not matter! Natalee asked for her sweatshirt and then proceeded to go in the water anyway. Then, we discovered the salamanders. I was afraid Br...

Today was a really beautiful spring day.  Natalee has been begging to walk to the Peace Chapel.  So today, we invited Kelly and Will to walk with us. The Redbuds are beautiful right now. While at the Peace Chapel, I  started to remember a similar walk that we did 3 years ago. It was also a beautiful day in May.  And, we took Kelly and Will to the Peace Chapel. Brady traversing the stones in 2010. Brady today.  See how big he has gotten over the last 3 years! Amie is now almost the same age Brady was during our visit in 2010. Here is Will in 2010.  I remember that he stuck to Meg's side.  He would not let her alone! I was also reminiscing that today was our first hike to the Peace Chapel without Meg :(  It was incredibly sad.  There are so many reminders of her every single day. Will today! The kids were running around like CRAZY. But, all of the sudden, they got T I R E D.  Do you see Brady rub...