Alston's First Hike

 

I'm only mildly outdoorsy, but somehow I was gifted these two little girls who are wannabe woodland fairies. If it's above freezing (and sometimes when it's not), Harper and Willa want to be outside. So, last year, we started hiking some of the local trails. We do all these cool things while we travel, but we've had to become more intentional about enjoying the touristy things right here in our backyard like the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Roanoke River Greenway, and the Appalachian Trail. That combined with being committed to giving our kids plenty of unplugged time equals more family outside time. 

And so now, Sam likes preaching the gospel of the trail. A few weeks ago, we hiked with the Quesenberry family. This week's victim, Corrie and Alston!

 

It was only in the 40s this weekend, but it was super (deceivingly) sunny and we had NOTHING PLANNED for Saturday, so a family hike sounded like a great fit (to Sam and the girls. I like my outdoors above 50 degrees. 😊). 

Corrie decided to brave it with two-year-old Alston, and Sam was so proud. We started off by taking a look at one of the dams where Sam works, so we hiked down to the river from the parkway and let the kiddos skip stones  and climb along the river rocks. 

 

 

 

 

We climbed all the stairs back up to the lookout, and hopped back in the car to head out to Explore Park. They have an assortment of beginner trails, and we randomly chose the River Walk to set out on an easy 2 miles. 

 

 

The end of the trail had a little picnic area and a great view of the river, so we let the kiddos run around and give us grey hair by playing near the river. 😳

 

 

Since McAfee's Knob, Cascades, and Roaring Run, Harper looked at the river and said, "But, where's the waterfall!?"  Ha. She's gotten a little spoiled on the trail end payoff. 

But, at the end of the day, we go home with tired, hungry, sometimes cold little girls. But, they're also happy and fulfilled. So, off to pick to the next trail...

The Salem Fair

So, we've finally reached a really big milestone in our family.  Like huge.  Almost life-changing. 

OUR GIRLS CAN RIDE THE LITTLE RIDES AT THE FAIR ALL BY THEMSELVES!

Every parent who's ever crammed their legs inside of this flying banana knows exactly how exciting that is.  :)

 

 

Every time we go to the Salem Fair (and at this point, it's an annual tradition), I wonder why on earth we subject ourselves to the dirty, germy, where-did-these-people-come-from-ness of the Fair.  But, every year (and maybe this year the most), our girls love it.  They laugh, they eat, and they ride their little hearts out.  When I finally left with Willa (Sam stayed even longer with the "big girls" Harper and Sydney), it was 10:00.  AT NIGHT.  And between the lack of nap and the overdose of funnel cake, she was hilarious in her emotional departure.  "Byyyyyyyye, Fair!  I miss my fair!!"

Alston's First Birthday & Papaw's Visit

Happy first birthday, Alston Fields Cromer!

What a joy to get to celebrate this not-so-little, happy-go-lucky guy!  He really has been the sweetest addition to our herd of girls. 😊

It was a little rainy and cold for October, but Bubby had a great time playing with his friends and cousins and smashing some cake. 

After the party, I needed to run in to Kroger to pick up a few things for our dinner with Dad in two hours, and when I came back out, this is what I found. 

  

All three of my luxe totally passed out in the car. That birthday party must have worn them out!  Didn't even wake up as I loaded groceries into the car and then back out of the car when we got home. It was nice to be able to cook dinner while they finish their naps and geared up for Papaw to come to their house. 

Though we saw him in September for Labor Day, we were all so excited to have him!

And of course, what do you do with little girls if not play beauty shop?

I have so much love for my "girl dads."  It takes a special man to shepherd the heart of little women. And to wear fourteen bows at once. 

Independence Day Weekend

Happy Third, Fourth, and Fifth of July!  :)

I just love the Independence Day weekend because it means a warm, long weekend with my little ladies.  To kick off our time together, Harper helped me make some star spangled omelets for breakfast.

Unfortunately, it was rainy, so we decided to go over to Mommytime for some indoor play fun.  But, before you can have indoor play time, I guess you have to have outdoor play time, so we grabbed our rain boots and played outside in the rain for a bit.

Corrie and Jeremy were sweet enough to invite us over for a cookout on July 4th.  We grilled some food, let the kiddos play in the backyard, and then went down to Lakeside to watch the fireworks. 

And on Sunday, I snuck in one more date with my big girl, taking her to Bounce Roanoke for their "indoor fireworks" playtime.