How Was Your Weekend? | Cupcakes and Commentary

Stone cut trail on Monte Sano

August 15, 2017 No Comments

As I previewed on Friday, B and I hiked a pretty significant trail this past Friday. Close to 3.5 miles, with climbing and caves, in fog and sporadic rain, and some awesome views the stone cut trail is no joke.

We climbed through spider webs…

Sloshed through mud…

Entered caves…

We found a little snail:

And some fallen trees that looked like they were still falling…

And enjoyed a foggy, but peaceful landscape at the end:

Well, I thought this was the end. Forty minutes later we were actually back to the truck. Ha!

How was your weekend?, Mini Cupcakes

Splash!

August 9, 2017 No Comments

The boys may be back in school, but we are still soaking up all the pool time we can get!

We’re jumping, floating, and just relaxing. Our pool is open until almost October, which is awesome because I can guarantee it’ll be hot until then or later.

How was your weekend?, Mini Cupcakes

Lately

May 31, 2017 No Comments

We’ve been reading books….

And building Lego animals…

And eating sandwiches laying down…

And eating chips sitting up…

And jumping in the pool!

We’re loving summer vacation!

How was your weekend?, Philosophical Cupcakes

This and that

May 18, 2017 No Comments

This is the pie that my sister made for Mother’s Day and I immediately requested for my birthday:

These are the planter pots that I saw on my instagram stories and texted B that they are added to our Disney shopping list:

This is my current pool view that is my goal-orientation for getting work done in the morning, so the boys and I can go in the afternoon:

And this is what I’m currently working on while I’m not “working” (which essentially means not teaching for two months, but working like mad to prep for the fall):

This is our other current afternoon view as we are on an activities lull, so we’re sipping smoothies and playing out back:

And this is J schooling A and I in Monopoly, Jr. the other night:

Family Style, How was your weekend?

Hiking gear musts

May 10, 2017 No Comments

Whenever we go hiking we have some must haves to bring and wear. First up what I wear:

Light weight tank & leggings, hat, sunglasses, and quality shoes that I don’t mind getting dirty. You honestly don’t catch B and I outside without sunglasses on. It’s not because it’s sunny all the time (which it is a lot here), but it’s because it prevents allergens from getting in our eyes. Seriously. I don’t know if you’ve been to the south, but allergies here are no joke. I keep trying to convince the boys to wear sunnies by buying them new ones constantly. It hasn’t worked great, as you can see above. Hats are also a must to prevent ticks from getting in your hair (insert wide eyed scary face here).

The boys wear athletic gear (our favorites are under armour and champion) and lightweight shoes that are washable.

Our must haves to carry (besides lots of trail mix!) are:

All of these are on the Cub Scout list if hiking essentials. We’ve convinced A that we have a map and compass on our phone, so we don’t need to bring those as well, however we also carry a battery pack charger for our phones. And if you need extra help you could always read our go to guide:

Just kidding! However, this is one that’s great for our area:

How was your weekend?

Keel mountain preserve

May 8, 2017 No Comments

On a whim after church on Sunday we headed out to hike a new trail. This was the most challenging trail we’ve attempted with both boys. It was a mile out and a mile back, but a good part of it is steep inclines and we were climbing to hit the higher elevations. In the past the boys would have wanted to turn around part way, but they were determined to see the waterfall at the end, so we hiked almost nonstop until we reached the waterfall.

As you can see here the trail is pretty heavily wooded, and at points the trail is quite narrow. Howeve, the canopy makes this great for hiking when it is warm because it keeps most of the trail quite cool:

B led the trail with J and A and I followed behind. I pray that this boy always shares as much as he does now with me. He talked for the entire two hours that we walked. I have the low down on all the happenings in second grade now.