Human Interest

We are blessed beyond belief with friends and family. 17 of us (and a dog!) headed to McDowell Creek Falls on Monday. My Grandmother and Levi are above. A rare shot of me with the three boys below.
Brothers:

It seems I've been here before:
My Grandfather with 3 of his 7 great-grandsons:

My niece, Ivy:
Leif playing a hat game with Poppy (my Dad):
Our New York/New Jersey friend, Carol, and my Mom:

It Really Does Exist

My grandparents are here visiting from California along with a friend of theirs (and ours) from New Jersey. We met Carol 17 years ago when our family was on a tour of the United States. She then lived on Long Island and was our cheerful New York City tour guide.

We decided to show her a bit of local beauty. Yes, Lyns, this place really does exists. About 25 miles from my house, in fact. Sadly, I don't remember visiting this particular place before (though I practically spent my childhood in this magical spot). We will certainly be making our way back to McDowell Creek Falls more often in the future!

We started out at the lower falls (picture above) for a picnic, then walked a short distance for this view:

This pathway headed to the top of the falls pictured above. I was wishing I had spent more time working on my aerobic stamina the past few months. Superman Uncle Ben offered to pack 36 pound Leif on his back. (Russ was working.) I pretended to argue. But not for very long.
We headed up. And up. And up.
Superman Uncle Ben decided to rest for a few minutes overlooking the falls at the top.
No rest for the wicked. The trail goes on.
I think I was singing Ben's praises about now.
This gives you just a tiny idea of how crazy my little sister is. There was nothing, and I mean nothing, under the end of that log for a looooong ways. She's an off-the-trail, no-fear kind of girl. My older sister was watching her older kids climb up a large log off the trail. It was steep. Holly said she'd rather climb down it. Shannon and Ben wished they had their bikes so they could ride down it. Hmmm.

We finally made it to the base of the upper falls. Did I mention that I was soooo glad Ben was carrying Leif?

Heading up, again.
There is a large platform for observing at the top of the falls. We spent quite some time enjoying the view and the wonderful company. More people pictures tomorrow.

Some of the crew are taking a covered bridges tour today. I am so jealous! Someday I'll have to take the drive and share pictures with you.

Just a Hint

We were out for the day. I'm still working through the photos, but here is something to whet your appetite. More to come tomorrow.

Of a Saturday

(Making bird feed garlands at farmer's market with Dad.)

BBQd teriaki kabobs. Purple asparagus (Levi's request), fresh bread, and homemade salsa purchased at farmer's market this morning. Luke discovered that he loves asparagus.

Yep. Life's good.

The Many Faces of Luke

Levi might have great verbal expression, but when it comes to facial expression Luke has the corner on the market. Meet just a fraction (dirty country-boy face and all):

This trike is like a piece of farm equipment. I call it his bad-boy trike:

What d'ya think of the feet? The bathtub looks pretty disgusting most of the time...

I'll leave you with one last expression:

P.S. Did you notice the wool cap on Leif a couple days ago? Yes, well, spring decided not to come to our house this year. We've had cool, overcast days (over and over and over...). We even had freezing temps, snow, and massive hail lately. And today it is supposed to be 90 degrees. I don't get it. Couldn't we have had at least a lovely week of 70 or even 80 degree weather?

And Then There Were Legs!

Our little friends have legs!
Watching: