Sauer's Mountain

Darin and I hiked to the top of Sauer's Mountain this weekend. It's one of my favorite spring hikes - a beautiful 6-miles that's loaded with wildflowers and awesome views.

We saw a ton of different birds which was cool, because I practiced all of my bird calls while we were hiking. I really only know a few different bird calls, so I like to try them out on all different species hoping someday to find a match! Really no luck so far with that. We did see a turkey vulture; their call must be something like, "Hey! You dead yet?" But I didn't try that call out on him, so I can't say for sure. I just didn't want to use this turkey vulture as my first guinea pig.

The trail gains 1,900 feet over three miles - some parts are a bit steep - but its worth the view. When we arrived at the top, we were checking out the cool view of Leavenworth and came to the conclusion that lunch at South would most likely be the perfect pairing with the hike. Just to be sure, we tried out our theory. As it turns out, lunch at South WAS a good match!

I think we'll next try the Eight Mile Lake - Gustav's pairing. It sounds fantastic, but we'll have to try it to be sure!

Backyard Projects Part I

This is the year that we plan to tackle our dog backyard playground. We've pretty much laid out at all-out challenge to "Mulcher Mower" Ben and "Chipper Shredder" Jake by having the audacity of planting SIX trees at one time in the backyard.

At our last house, we went through six trees (two at a time) before Ben stopped turning them into mulch. The only reason the last two trees made it is because we moved.

Jake and Ben haven't paid much attention to these trees so far, and I'm hoping that trend continues. I think we have a chance but only because Jake is 10 now and Ben is 7. We've got our fingers crossed! Funny thing is though, as I'm typing this, Ben's trying to break into the hydrangeas that we fenced in to keep him out. Gotta go!

Crazy for Baby Quilting

Here are the quilt and white socks pictures! It's official - the 2010 Henry and Brystol baby quilts are finished!


Here's Henry's quilt. Jake gave it his stamp of approval and found the quilt suitable for shipping to his cousin Henry. The dog hair arriving with the quilt is Jake's special gift to Nicke. :)


And here's Brystol's - thoroughly quality checked by Operator 1542, Ben Konrad.

I've decided that I'm on quilting hiatus - that's until I talk to Nicke again which will be sometime tonight - and then I'll be back in the game! For now, I'm going to enjoy my two-hour retirement and bask in the glory of my accomplishments. :)

Happy Easter!

WOO HOO, Indeed!

My most favorite sister-in-law, Candy, passed her RN exam! Here's the text message she sent this morning, "I did it!! I passed!!! I am now an RN!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!! :)"

It's really no surprise though, because Candy will try anything, and whatever it is - she does it very well. Look at her form and physique rockin to Guitar Hero -

First golf swing ever - good form!

Darin says she's a good shot with a pistol, too!

Congratulations, Candy! You should be very proud of what you've accomplished! We love you!

Sssshhhh....

For whatever reason, Jake's obviously keeping close tabs on Darin tonight. It doesn't really look comfortable for either of them, and I get serious jimmy legs just looking at this picture. But - it is very cute!Jake's 10 now. When he was younger, he used to be able to stay awake to keep his eye on people and what was going on. Now he just lays on us when he falls asleep, so he's quickly alerted when something's up. It's a system that really seems to be working for him. :)

OH, Snap!

Okay, Nicke, here are my five blocks. Game on. (Oh, but before I get too sassy, can I trade my #2 block for yours, Trebeck?)

Block #1 - All the points match, A+ (nice work, Nicke!)Block #2 - Here's where the trouble begins. Center square is a bit off, most points match, C+Block #3 - Nice work, B-Block #4 - these damn center squares are difficult for me - C+Block #5 - very good, A-