Hanging Rock State Park

Yesterday we had a family fun day. We drove 1hr and 45 minutes east to Hanging Rock State Park. It is a beautiful park, the forest was thick and very green. We did a short hike (1.2 miles round trip) to Hidden Falls and Window Falls. The falls were lovely and fun to climb around. Unfortunately we got caught in a sudden rainstorm and got pretty wet, but that added to the adventure. We made it back to our van (with two children loudly complaining "My legs are asleep! I can't walk anymore"), but our spirits were soon revived with a picnic lunch. After lunch (while it was still drizzling) we looked at the nature exhibits in the visitor center. As the sun came out we did another short hike to Cascade Falls. This was one of the bigger falls, with an irresistible wading area at the bottom. Lily and Zach promptly removed their shoes and went right in, while Jared took Anwyn on a slightly more strenuous climb around the rocks. It was a really fantastic park and a great family excursion.

Worn out kiddos after all the hiking!

Duke Gardens in the Spring

We really enjoy visiting the beautiful Duke gardens. A few weeks ago we stopped by for a spring visit, and Jared took some lovely photos.

Mother's Day Interview 2013

Our fun Mother's Day tradition is the interview with our children. We love hearing their responses! Sorry for the poor lighting in the photos.

How old is your mom?
Zach: I don't know.
Lily: 33
Anwyn: 33 years old

How tall is your mom?
Zach: That tall (arm up to his chest)
Lily: this tall (reaching up as high as she can)
Anwyn: 6 feet

What makes mom happy?
Zach: To play with cars
Lily: Giving her big hugs
Anwyn: Nice, happy people

What is your mom really good at?
Zach: Doing dishes
Lily: Reading her book
Anwyn: She's really good at being a mother.

What is your mom’s favorite food?
Zach: Carrots
Lily: This is tricky. Broccoli.
Anwyn: Cheesecake

If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
Zach: Mommy
Lily: Rapunzel
Anwyn: I don't know

What do you and your mom do together?
Zach: Play cars
Lily: Watch shows
Anwyn: Read books

What is something that Mom always says to you?
Zach: Clean up
Lily: Do your morning things
Anwyn: How was your day at school?

My mom loves to relax by... Don't know (Zach); read her book (Lily); read her book (Anwyn).

The best thing she cooks is... Desserts (Zach); hamburgers (Lily); teriyaki meatballs (Anwyn)

When my mom shops she likes to buy... celery (Zach); carrots (Lily); stuff that we need (Anwyn)

My mom’s favorite household chore is... clean up (Zach); clean up (Lily); making food (Anwyn)

If she could go on a trip she would go to... to store (Zach); the park (Lily); Canada where her mom and dad live (Anwyn)

You can read last year's interview here.

Below are the Mother's Day cards the children made over the past few days.