Yay, no kids!

This weekend we found ourselves kid-less thanks to the kindness of (both sets of) grandparents.  This has actually happened three or four times this summer, so we are very fortunate!   We don't always remember to take advantage of the opportunity though.  The last time the kids were gone for a week, I ended up working five 11-hour days and never really did get our vacation suitcases unpacked.  This time, we started off our Friday night by going to Kurt's work and cleaning out and organizing their supply closet.  Voluntarily.  We are weird.  But since I helped Kurt with that, he let me decide what we were going to do today and I chose something outdoors.  We were going to go on a bike ride, but it was sort of raining this morning, so we decided to go for a hike instead.   Kurt did a lot of trail running/hiking when he was training for the NorthFace Challenge, but I really hadn't done anything except that time I got lost in Black Rock Forest.  Storm King mountain sounded good to both of us, so off we went.  It wan't particularly long or difficult.  A little steep at times, but it only took about 40 min to get to the top and the views were great.  We got to the top the same time as another couple coming from the other direction, so we actually got a nice picture of us, which never happens.  And now that I've done something active, I feel justified in spending time just sitting here at the computer with nothing really better to do than blog, which also never happens.  I guess I could be working on an article I'm supposed to be writing, but I'm going to procrastinate on that a little longer and enjoy being bored.  

There was pretty good reception at the top of the mountain, much better than on 9W below! 

There were random rock walls, piles, foundations, etc.

 Kurt is pretty good at spotting mushrooms, I guess that's what you do when you are a kid in PA

This last picture is how we finished the hike... with a stop at our favorite coffee shop.  

Long Overdue

So I guess I've been a little negligent with my blogging lately.  Just realized that I never did finish the 25 photo a day in December challenge.  Maybe next year.

It's the first day of Spring Break for West Point and it's a beautiful day outside (still a little cold though).  We are having a nice relaxing Saturday so I have some time to share some of the pictures we've taken lately.  Many of these have already been posted to facebook, but there are a few new ones.

Over Presidents' Weekend we wanted to do something fun, so we took the kids to a place called the Castle Funzone.  It was fun.

We've also discovered Army Hockey.  We like hockey because it starts a bit later, isn't nearly as crazy busy, doesn't take all day like football does and is exciting to watch.  The pictures below were of some little kids who came out and played between the periods.  After the game was over, they had some special olympic skaters come out and play which was cool too.

I was at Micaela's middle school waiting to pick her up from drama practice one day and I saw these cool clouds.  They were more impressive in person.

Kurt's parents came down for Micaela's play and we took a drive through the towns on the other side of the Hudson.  Cold Springs is pretty nice and we had a very good lunch at a place called the Depot.

Jon still plays with Trio Blocks.  They've been a hit for the past two years, but his building skills have certainly improved.

The same weekend that Micaela had her musical, Jon went to a birthday party for one of his classmates at an inside jumping place.  He had such a good time, that I think we're going to do the same thing for his birthday.  The party favors were pretty cool too.

Helping Kurt with the laundry?  We love the Ikea chair bed that we can roll between the rooms when there are guests.  It's the size of a twin bed and the kids sleep really well on it.

I got this picture off Kurt's phone.  Not quite sure what's going on here :)

Kurt has done some work to make our front porch one of the nicest places in the house.  We love sitting out there in the mornings and evenings.  It's where he does most his drawing too.

These videos were really funny to watch because there were a bunch of failed attempts before they finally got a good flight.  I'll just post two though.

 And we finally got a copy of our movie poster.  Yup, I'm famous.   Our spoof of the Hunger Games turned out pretty well, but I will not be pursuing a career in film (as actor or producer) any time soon.  Or ever.

Day 22

Day 22 - Tradition

We love doing the advent calendar with the kids, but it's hard to find stuff to fit in the little boxes, so we've started using post-its with little notes written on them.

Day 21

Day 21 - Peace

A picture of our Christmas Cards wishing us peace and happiness.  Yes, that one in the middle is from my push-up buddy George.  He sent me a Xmas card.  Thoughtful of him to remember me :)

Day 20

Day 20 - Tree Topper

Kurt had this when we met.  It's been on the tree ever since.  Micaela really likes it.  This was the first year that Jon got to place it on the tree, next year it will be back to Micaela who is almost tall enough to do it without being held up.

Day 19

Day 19 - Candy Cane

They are slowly disappearing off the tree, but there is at least one left!

Day 18

Day 18 - Stockings