Backpacking 101

So since Dave and I both enjoying hiking in the mountains, and I have fond memories of backpacking with my family as a child, we decided to take all our kids on there first mini-backpacking trip.  It also came about by the girls continual pleading "Dad, you always backpack with the scouts and not with us!"  Little did they now what that meant.  Dave headed up the excursion and we were all excited.  Baylee, Kami, and Lydia (who insisted on walking and carrying a pack too) each carried their own clothes, bedding, water, and snacks - Dave found these very compact fleece sleeping bags for the girls, so they were able to fit in their packs.  I loaded my pack as much as I could, and well,,, Dave, had the rest...which was a lot, including Caleb on his chest.  Out trip consisted of hiking one mile to the campsite and spend one night.  Baylee hiked the whole way no problem with energy to spare.  Kami was a real trouper  even though it was hard to keep going the last 1/4 mile.  Lydia was determined to be so big and do it all herself, except after 1/2mile she wanted to hold her silky, drink her sippy cup, and then she says "some one carry me".  Dave hiked 2 miles because he  strode on ahead to drop his pack off at the campspot, then hike back 1/2 way to carry Lydia and Caleb to camp.    We had a fun spot in the pines to camp.  Even a creek close by.  The only unexpected challenge was it rained in the night (Dave had assured me of 0% prescipitation), which put a damper on the plan for Dave and Kami sleeping under the stars.  The two-man-tent we brought could only fit me, Baylee, Lydia and Caleb.  So Kami snuggled down in the waterproof warm sleeping bag under a sheltering tree and Dave played survivor all night, worrying about us all getting wet, and he eventually built a fire and slept by it to keep warm and dry off.  I slept with one ear open.  But hey..the kids all slept great and played hard the next day.   So our first backpacking trip as a family was a fun adventure and a memory.

Caleb's Blessing Day

Getting him ready for the special day...

I have really enjoyed cuddling and kissing this sweet little boy...

Daddy's boy... 

Great Grandma Bevell got to be there, what a treat...

4 generation Bowmans all together...

He was surrounded by lots of family who gave him many hugs and loves!  

Bikers

They are all geared up to go on a bike ride with dad.

Lydia and cars

For some reason Lydia has been obsessed with cars lately.  Maybe its from hanging out with her boy cousins, who have taught her the difference between cars, trucks, tractors, and of course police cars.  She evening has named one "lightening McQueen".  This day she decided to put them in her "pocket" and carry them around the house.  

Cooking Class

I love summer.  I get to spend more time with my kids and actually do the fun things that I love to do with them.  It's never long enough, however, and it has been a little challenging with an infant who takes priority of my time.   I am doing my summer cooking class, that I have done in the past.  This time we are doing kid friendly treats.  

Here is our banana cream pies.

and Pear Bear Muffins, this was fun because we used pear slices sticking out the muffin for ears, chocolate chips for eyes and nose, and almonds for cheeks.

the Kasen got creative making donut PB&J sandwiches using cookie cutter

Lacey made the fruit filled sandwich

and Lydia, well...she just liked spreading the peanut butter.

Kami Turns 5

Kami my little adventurer turned 5 on May 24th.  She had a fun Adventure Party!  She got to invite her friends, go on an exploring hunt, open presents, and eat a fabulous fondant cake made by her Aunt Amy.  It was a perfect day to be outside and since school was out everyone just hung out and played.  I am so proud of Kami May she is growing up in so many ways and has such a fun personality with a great imagination.  She loves to figure things out on her own and loves to be apart of what I am doing.  I love it when she creates fun activities for her and Lydia.  I especially love her big hugs and when she lets me snuggle by her and read. She has such an excitement for life and expresses it in her own creative ways.