As a result of the late date of Easter, it seemed like the dates school districts chose for Spring Break varied wildly. We lucked out - the week our school district chose had picture perfect weather, and we tried to take full advantage.
Monday morning, as we prepared for the day, I came out of my bathroom to see Aubree reading to her brothers while they brushed their teeth. It was so nice having her home I again questioned my decision to send her to public school. An hour later she was squabbling with Bryce and Thane, and I had second thoughts about my second thoughts.
The first day of Spring Break the kids were brimming with energy, so I took them to Bounce It Up. Graham, in his new "big boy" mode, insisted on following his siblings wherever they went. Aubree, who adores and completely spoils Graham, happily took him with her through all the bounce houses (with the exception of the 2-story slide, much to G's dismay).
Another morning we headed out early with friends for another trip to Northwest Trek. To be honest, we're getting a little tired of Northwest Trek, but taking friends who've never been before is always so much fun. This time we went with Aubree's best friend and her family. They happen to have four kids almost exactly the same ages as my kids, so everyone had a pal.
I'm always a little impressed when I hear new information/stories on the tram rides, even after having been on them so many times. It was a beautiful, spring morning, and all the kids seemed to enjoy the ride (with the exception of the 1-year-old, neither of whom were especially fond of an hour of sitting still).
Aubree borrowed my camera and was quite proud to capture pictures of a mountain goat and bison.
No doubt, what the kids liked best about the day at Northwest Trek was time spent with their friends. So much so, that the next day we decided to go hiking together. We found some trails nearby, and set off on an adventure. When we came to a fork in the trail, we let the kids decide which direction to go.
Aubree and Bethelle decided they were the official photographers of our trip, and begged to use our cameras. They managed to take quite a few great shots.
The kids loved hiking and were eager participants. One of their trail choices led us to this railroad track, which Bryce and Thane found especially exciting. We stopped for a minute to take a few pictures, then turned back to try a different trail.
After a couple hours of walking, our 4-year-old friend decided she was done, and wanted to go home. The rest of the kids balked at the idea of heading back. "Okay," I joked, "if you want to keep going, you'll have to carry her." Not at all deterred, they scooped her up and headed back down the trail!
We did need to head back home for lunch and little boy naps, and convinced our band of adventurers to join us by promising continued adventures another day.
We live in such a beautiful place! This nature reserve is just a mile or two from our house.
This is my favorite of the (many, many) nature shots Aubree took during the hike.
I don't know if I could have custom ordered a better week.
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