Doodle trail and cool down

Last Sunday we were looking for a different spot to get some family exercise.  I had heard about the Doodle Trail from a friend so we decided to check it out.  Right away we thought this was a really cool place.  Outside of quarantine it will be an even more fun adventure because they have really fun playground equipment for the kids to play on at each end of the trail.  The playgrounds were both closed but the big train was available for climbing (followed by hand sanitizer of course).

 
The trail was created over an old railroad line that used to run from Pickens to Easley which explains why there is an old rusty trail at the trailhead.  We had packed our lunch so we had all we needed and we headed out on the trail.

The trail really is beautiful. It flows through peoples front and back yards, and by old factories that probably used to receive deliveries from the railroad.  We were enjoying our ride but after about 3 miles the little legs that were peddling with us started to get tired.  We found a shady spot and took a break for some lunch.  Since we were not quite half way to the other end we decided it was best to turn around at this point and head back.  I had to work that night so I needed to get back and get some rest and the kids were wearing out.

I highly recommend giving the trail a try.  We will certainly be heading back at some point in time!  When we got back home I laid down to rest but Kevin allowed the kids to "cool" down in a fun way. 

Nothing like a little hose spraying the trampoline to add a little extra fun to a hot day.  

Hope everyone is doing well!  We send our virtual love your way! 

Elijah Clark State Park

A couple of weekends ago we were able to find a last minute spot at a nearby state park in Georgia.  After being strictly in quarantine for several weeks we were super excited for a change of scenery.

The view was beautiful and the weather, although a little chilly, was perfect.

 

We really love our home away from home and the time that it gives us to play uninterrupted.  The fish were not biting but the kids were having fun trying.

The best thing that we caught were the rocks at the bottom of the river but it sure made for some good "big catch" pictures.

I like my food and camping cooking is something we are continuing to learn how to do and get better at.

Grilled chicken, roasted veggies, and potatoes... yummy!  After dinner we tried a new camping dessert trick!

Banana's stuffed with marshmallows and chocolate and then roasted over the fire.  The outcome is supposed to taste just like a banana split.  Kevin, Chase, and I would agree that they were delicious but the rest of the clan would prefer their original s'mores.  We had a great weekend fishing, riding bikes, and playing games.  I will leave you with some Bryce cuteness.

Sunny days, happy kids

Kids + water = happy times.

 All it takes is a little plastic pool, a hose, a bucket, and some squirt guns.  I was able to enjoy the afternoon sitting on the porch reading a book with the sweet sound of happy squeals in the background.

I love how the simple things make them smile.  It is such a reminder of all the blessing we have around us and how I take them for granted.  And I'll conclude this post with a picture that reminds me that my two youngest children (who fight like cats and dogs) do really love each other.

School House Rocks

Covid 19 has really reshaped our lives.  Who would have ever thought that the entire world would be on lock down and that "social distancing" would be what we were doing.  It has brought a greater appreciation to many things that I have taken for granted.  That list is exhaustive so for now I will focus on how I have taken my kids school and teachers for granted.  At home we are only doing a fraction of what they would be doing at school and it can be exhausting.  We have gotten into a flow of things and they only have 2 more weeks of school left so I think we are going to make it.  Here is a sneak peak of what some of our days have looked like.

Chase is pretty independent in his work which makes our lives much easier.  We set up a school room to help contain the chaos to one area.

Practicing writing letters and words in shaving cream has been a favorite activity.  When Kevin comes up from his office area and see's the shaving cream he rolls his eyes and tries to exit as quickly as possible.

Leah has been enjoying her science lessons as they have been studying the ear and how we hear things.  

On Thursday, Bryce's preschool teachers did a parade so they could see the kids and pass out new packets of material for them to work on at home.  Bryce was so excited he waited by the front door all morning!  They drove all over the county to see these kids and it was such a blessing to our little guy.

Henley has been working really hard and has been enjoying her math lessons the most.  

Our PE teacher sent out activities with balloons last week so when I was at the store I picked some up and we have had endless fun with balloons.  

I would have never chosen what we are doing now but in choosing to see the joy in the everyday moments I am so thankful for all the time with my kids.  To see where they are struggling and to celebrate victories with them as we push through things.  To see how much their teachers truly love them and all the effort that they put into teaching and caring for them.  We are loving the slower pace of life, the evening walks, fun activities as a family, bike rides, Kevin being home, sleeping in, and many more blessings.  I want to also mention how blessed we have been by so many friends who have been praying for us, brought us meals or treats or fresh eggs, blessed our kids by sending letters or stopping by from a distance, a friend that has been helping me with the burden of 4 kids to school by working with Leah, and other things that have slipped my mind.  In a world that has so many difficulties right now, we are thankful for the community God has blessed us with.

Sunday afternoon bike ride

Last Sunday the weather was beautiful so we decided to head out for a little bike ride.  Everyone in our family except for Bryce is on two wheels. Luckily we still have Henley's bike attachment for Bryce to use so we can still do family bike rides.

Its a bike that hooks onto our bikes so he just has to hold on and enjoy the ride.  He can peddle along and help if he is in the right mood but all he is required to do is to HOLD ON ;).  

 

 Henley is the best little trooper!  She is riding a single speed bike unlike the rest of us but pushes through and keeps on going.  We left from the neighborhood, crossed over to the neighborhood across from us that loops around and gets us closer to Hobson that connects to the nice path on the connector.  This momma gets a little nervous out on the main road but flanked between Kevin and I the kids do well staying over and together.  We headed down towards Ingles and then doubled back towards Clemson Blvd.

Making it up a big hill to Clemson Blvd was well worth the pit stop for milkshakes at Cookout!  There was no whining or complaining about that part of the trip.  It was a beautiful day for a bike ride.

The next day Kevin took Chase Mountain biking at Fant's Grove. They had a good time and enjoyed the great outdoors and the good picture of two of my men is worth a share!