Sunday, January 2, 2022

hike #2

start of the hike


carrying Bart home once we realized he had a big cut on his paw :(

 

 

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - DONE

hike #1 - 1/1/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 1. Journal about or discuss with an adult what you hope to gain by taking the 52 Hike Challenge journey. 

hike #2 - 1/2/22 - 1.3 miles, down the dry river bed and up the road - 16. Touch five trees on your hike (remember to stay on trail!)*  we touched 103 trees!

 

 

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - YET TO DO

2. Learn the Seven “Leave No Trace” principles and apply them on the trail.* 

3. Hike to a waterfall, even if there is no water flowing. 

4. Hike near a body of water. Examples include: ocean, lake, river, or creek. 

5. Hike in a Nationally designated area. Examples include: National park, National preserve, National monument, etc.* 

6. Hike outside of your city. 

7. Hike in a state park.* 

8. Find a heart shaped item on the trail. For example: rock, leaf, etc. 

9. Join a group hike and draw your favorite memory from the day. 

10. Join a non-profit event to volunteer on the trail. Examples include: building a trail, maintaining a trail, native tree planting, etc.* 

11. Hike with a family member you haven't hiked with yet. 

12. Take a friend on a hike. 

13. Enjoy a meal on trail. 

14. Bring a book and read, or have it read to you, on your trail break. 

15. Share three things you’re grateful for on your hike with your trail buddy.

17. Scout for wildlife. Examples include: birds, lizards, chipmunks, etc. 

18. Go on a 3 mile or more hike. 

19. Observe the flowers along the trail and draw them without picking them. 

20. Go on a geology hike.* 

21. Observe the rocks on your hike and draw them. 

22. Go outside at night and stargaze. 

23. Observe the animals on your hike and draw them. 

24. Go on a full moon hike (make sure to bring a headlamp and park is open.) 

25. Put on your rain jacket, waterproof boots and go on a rain hike. Don’t forget to jump in some puddles. 

26. Journal or discuss with an adult how you feel about being halfway through your 52 Hike Challenge.

27. Adventure to an iconic spot. Examples include: bridge, stairs, landmark, etc.* 

28. Become a trail steward! Volunteer to clean up a park or pick up trash on a hike. 

29. Observe the trail’s micro details and draw them. Examples include: mushrooms, snails, tree moss, leaves, pinecones, plants, etc. 

30. Take a Spring hike and look for wildflower blooms. 

31. Go on a birding hike. Count the amount of times you see birds. 

32. Bring a new friend hiking with you. 

33. Opt Outside. Let an adult know where you’d like to go next. 

34. Bring a sketchbook on your hike and draw something you're inspired by. 

35. Go on a designated nature walk.* 

36. Bring a toy and have an adult photograph you with it on your hike. 

37. Hike to or in an historical place.* 

38. Learn about the 10 essentials and pack them in your day pack.* 

39. Hike an out and back trail.* 

40. Hike a loop trail.* 

41. Go on a geocaching hike.* 

42. Use your imagination on the trail.* 

43. Go camping (the backyard works too!)* 

44. Go on an urban hike around your neighborhood. 

45. Spend an hour playing at the park. Examples include: beach, local park, etc. 

46. Share the 52 Hike Challenge with another kid hiking on the same trail. 

47. Have someone take a photo of you at your hike’s destination. 

48. Hike in a canyon. 

49. Hike with a pet on a pet-friendly trail. 

50. Hike in a forest.* 

51. Hike in a desert. 

52. Journal or discuss with an adult your thoughts or feelings on completing your 52 Hike Challenge! 

53. Bonus: Hike in the snow.

Saturday, January 1, 2022

hike #1

First hike is in the books!

 We made it to "the turnaround tree" (about 1 mile from home), then celebrated with homemade "Oreos" (aka faux-reos) afterward!



 

 

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - DONE

hike #1 - 1/1/22 - 2 miles, out-and-back from home - 1. Journal about or discuss with an adult what you hope to gain by taking the 52 Hike Challenge journey. 

 

 

52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist - YET TO DO

2. Learn the Seven “Leave No Trace” principles and apply them on the trail.* 

3. Hike to a waterfall, even if there is no water flowing. 

4. Hike near a body of water. Examples include: ocean, lake, river, or creek. 

5. Hike in a Nationally designated area. Examples include: National park, National preserve, National monument, etc.* 

6. Hike outside of your city. 

7. Hike in a state park.* 

8. Find a heart shaped item on the trail. For example: rock, leaf, etc. 

9. Join a group hike and draw your favorite memory from the day. 

10. Join a non-profit event to volunteer on the trail. Examples include: building a trail, maintaining a trail, native tree planting, etc.* 

11. Hike with a family member you haven't hiked with yet. 

12. Take a friend on a hike. 

13. Enjoy a meal on trail. 

14. Bring a book and read, or have it read to you, on your trail break. 

15. Share three things you’re grateful for on your hike with your trail buddy. 

16. Touch five trees on your hike (remember to stay on trail!)* 

17. Scout for wildlife. Examples include: birds, lizards, chipmunks, etc. 

18. Go on a 3 mile or more hike. 

19. Observe the flowers along the trail and draw them without picking them. 

20. Go on a geology hike.* 

21. Observe the rocks on your hike and draw them. 

22. Go outside at night and stargaze. 

23. Observe the animals on your hike and draw them. 

24. Go on a full moon hike (make sure to bring a headlamp and park is open.) 

25. Put on your rain jacket, waterproof boots and go on a rain hike. Don’t forget to jump in some puddles. 

26. Journal or discuss with an adult how you feel about being halfway through your 52 Hike Challenge.

27. Adventure to an iconic spot. Examples include: bridge, stairs, landmark, etc.* 

28. Become a trail steward! Volunteer to clean up a park or pick up trash on a hike. 

29. Observe the trail’s micro details and draw them. Examples include: mushrooms, snails, tree moss, leaves, pinecones, plants, etc. 

30. Take a Spring hike and look for wildflower blooms. 

31. Go on a birding hike. Count the amount of times you see birds. 

32. Bring a new friend hiking with you. 

33. Opt Outside. Let an adult know where you’d like to go next. 

34. Bring a sketchbook on your hike and draw something you're inspired by. 

35. Go on a designated nature walk.* 

36. Bring a toy and have an adult photograph you with it on your hike. 

37. Hike to or in an historical place.* 

38. Learn about the 10 essentials and pack them in your day pack.* 

39. Hike an out and back trail.* 

40. Hike a loop trail.* 

41. Go on a geocaching hike.* 

42. Use your imagination on the trail.* 

43. Go camping (the backyard works too!)* 

44. Go on an urban hike around your neighborhood. 

45. Spend an hour playing at the park. Examples include: beach, local park, etc. 

46. Share the 52 Hike Challenge with another kid hiking on the same trail. 

47. Have someone take a photo of you at your hike’s destination. 

48. Hike in a canyon. 

49. Hike with a pet on a pet-friendly trail. 

50. Hike in a forest.* 

51. Hike in a desert. 

52. Journal or discuss with an adult your thoughts or feelings on completing your 52 Hike Challenge! 

53. Bonus: Hike in the snow.

Friday, December 31, 2021

52 hike challenge

Remember when I did the 52 hike challenge in 2020? It was a great way for me to get outside and get a little more exercise, so I've been thinking about doing it again. I recently learned that there is a kids edition of the challenge, and I just convinced Rose to do it with me! We are going to attempt to accomplish the full checklist (below), but even if we just do 52 hikes together in 2022, that will still be a win :)

We'll be posting our hikes here, if you'd like to follow along!


52 Hike Challenge Kids Edition Checklist 

1. Journal about or discuss with an adult what you hope to gain by taking the 52 Hike Challenge journey. 

2. Learn the Seven “Leave No Trace” principles and apply them on the trail.* 

3. Hike to a waterfall, even if there is no water flowing. 

4. Hike near a body of water. Examples include: ocean, lake, river, or creek. 

5. Hike in a Nationally designated area. Examples include: National park, National preserve, National monument, etc.* 

6. Hike outside of your city. 

7. Hike in a state park.* 

8. Find a heart shaped item on the trail. For example: rock, leaf, etc. 

9. Join a group hike and draw your favorite memory from the day. 

10. Join a non-profit event to volunteer on the trail. Examples include: building a trail, maintaining a trail, native tree planting, etc.* 

11. Hike with a family member you haven't hiked with yet. 

12. Take a friend on a hike. 

13. Enjoy a meal on trail. 

14. Bring a book and read, or have it read to you, on your trail break. 

15. Share three things you’re grateful for on your hike with your trail buddy. 

16. Touch five trees on your hike (remember to stay on trail!)* 

17. Scout for wildlife. Examples include: birds, lizards, chipmunks, etc. 

18. Go on a 3 mile or more hike. 

19. Observe the flowers along the trail and draw them without picking them. 

20. Go on a geology hike.* 

21. Observe the rocks on your hike and draw them. 

22. Go outside at night and stargaze. 

23. Observe the animals on your hike and draw them. 

24. Go on a full moon hike (make sure to bring a headlamp and park is open.) 

25. Put on your rain jacket, waterproof boots and go on a rain hike. Don’t forget to jump in some puddles. 

26. Journal or discuss with an adult how you feel about being halfway through your 52 Hike Challenge.

27. Adventure to an iconic spot. Examples include: bridge, stairs, landmark, etc.* 

28. Become a trail steward! Volunteer to clean up a park or pick up trash on a hike. 

29. Observe the trail’s micro details and draw them. Examples include: mushrooms, snails, tree moss, leaves, pinecones, plants, etc. 

30. Take a Spring hike and look for wildflower blooms. 

31. Go on a birding hike. Count the amount of times you see birds. 

32. Bring a new friend hiking with you. 

33. Opt Outside. Let an adult know where you’d like to go next. 

34. Bring a sketchbook on your hike and draw something you're inspired by. 

35. Go on a designated nature walk.* 

36. Bring a toy and have an adult photograph you with it on your hike. 

37. Hike to or in an historical place.* 

38. Learn about the 10 essentials and pack them in your day pack.* 

39. Hike an out and back trail.* 

40. Hike a loop trail.* 

41. Go on a geocaching hike.* 

42. Use your imagination on the trail.* 

43. Go camping (the backyard works too!)* 

44. Go on an urban hike around your neighborhood. 

45. Spend an hour playing at the park. Examples include: beach, local park, etc. 

46. Share the 52 Hike Challenge with another kid hiking on the same trail. 

47. Have someone take a photo of you at your hike’s destination. 

48. Hike in a canyon. 

49. Hike with a pet on a pet-friendly trail. 

50. Hike in a forest.* 

51. Hike in a desert. 

52. Journal or discuss with an adult your thoughts or feelings on completing your 52 Hike Challenge! 

53. Bonus: Hike in the snow.

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Annual birthday questions

 



Favorite color:  
Age 3 - blue and green and white and red and purple
Age 4 – pink
Age 5 – all of the colors in the rainbow except orange and red
Age 6 - rainbow
Age 7 - gold
             Age 8 - light blue
Age 9 - teal

Favorite toy/game:  
Age 3 - playing with baby things
Age 4 – playing Kristoff or Prince Hans
Age 5 – dragon Legos
Age 6 - Legos
Age 7 - my new Wild Kratts toys 
             Age 8 - Legos
Age 9 - legos

Favorite food:
Age 3 -  mac and cheese
Age 4 – mac and cheese
Age 5 – mac and cheese
Age 6 – mac and cheese
Age 7 - mac and cheese
            Age 8 -  mac and cheese
Age 9 - cheese sticks

Favorite drink:  
Age 3 – moose hair (?!?)
Age 4 – milk
Age 5 – chocolate milk
Age 6 – chocolate milk
Age 7 - chocolate milk
            Age 8 -  ice water
Age 9 - sparkling apple juice and/or milk

Favorite movie:  
Age 3 - Happy Feet
Age 4 – Sleeping Beauty
Age 5 – Finding Nemo and Finding Dory
Age 6 - The Lion Guard
Age 7 - Lion King
            Age 8 - Frozen 2
Age 9 -  don't know

Favorite TV show:   
Age 3 – Caillou
Age 4 – the car one
Age 5 – My Little Pony
Age 6 - The Lion Guard
Age 7 - Wild Kratts
            Age 8 - Wild Kratts
Age 9 - Wild Kratts

Favorite song:  
Age 3 - Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Age 4 – Jasmine ("A Whole New World")
Age 5 – Twinkle Twinkle
Age 6 - Twinkle Twinkle
Age 7 - Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer
            Age 8 - Six: The Musical
Age 9 - John Denver music

Favorite book:  
             Age 3 - You are a LION (yoga book)
Age 4 – Anna and Elsa
Age 5 – My Little Pony (the Pinkie Pie one)
Age 6 - Green Eggs and Ham
Age 7 - Harry Potter
             Age 8 - Warriors
Age 9 - every book I've ever read

Favorite outfit:  
             Age 3 - blue and white
Age 4 – my twirly dress I have on now
Age 5 – sparkly things
Age 6 - dresses
Age 7 - costumes
            Age 8 - pants and a shirt
Age 9 - this snake dress that I got for my birthday

Best friend:  
Age 3 - Eden and Asher and Evan
Age 4 – Eden
Age 5 – Eden
Age 6 - Aleena
Age 7 - Allie
            Age 8 - Allie
Age 9 - Ivy (cat)

Favorite holiday:  
Age 3 - Christmas and Easter
Age 4 – my birthday
Age 5 – my birthday
Age 6 - April
Age 7 - my birthday
            Age 8 - my birthday
Age 9 - my birthday

What I take to bed each night:  
Age 3 - a cat 
Age 4 – pajamas
Age 5 – a stuffed animal like Rainbow Dash
Age 6 - myself
Age 7 - a stuffie
            Age 8 - Wolfie
Age 9 - Wolfie

When I grow up, I want to be:  
Age 3 - a diamond
Age 4 – a princess
Age 5 – a junior ranger
Age 6 - nothing
Age 7 - a scientist
            Age 8 - a history teacher
Age 9 - I don't know

I'm afraid to: 
Age 3 – monsters
Age 4 – bears and alligators and dinosaurs
Age 5 – nothing!
Age 6 - be by myself
Age 7 - kill stink bugs
             Age 8 - go on the walk we did earlier today
Age 9 -  take my feet off the ground without Mike holding me when I'm on a bike

I'm proud of:  
Age 3 -??
Age 4 – Daddy
Age 5 – myself!
Age 6 - mommy and daddy
Age 7 - building Lego sets
            Age 8 - all the Legos I have
Age 9 -  being me

Something I do really well:  
Age 3 - cookie monster
Age 4 – watch a movie
Age 5 – Legos
Age 6 - cleaning my room
Age 7 - keep on trying
            Age 8 - Legos
Age 9 -  read and/or play Legos

This makes me happy:  
Age 3 - an Easter bunny
Age 4 – when I have love around me
Age 5 – doing Legos
Age 6 - hugs
Age 7 - when staying up late, going to sleep
            Age 8 - Legos
Age 9 - Ivy (cat)

This makes me sad:  
              Age 3 - a cow hit me
Age 4 – when someone hits me or bites me or pinches me or kicks me
Age 5 – when it's nap time
Age 6 - when somebody hits me
Age 7 - getting hurt
            Age 8 - Wolfie not going to bed with me
Age 9 - when a playdate ends

Favorite time of day:  
Age 3 - movie time
Age 4 – playing with Eden
Age 5 – lunch time
Age 6 - dessert time
Age 7 - dessert time
            Age 8 - 3pm
Age 9 - 3pm

Dream vacation:  
Age 3 -??
Age 4 – to the princesses! (i.e., Disneyland)
Age 5 – Disney World
Age 6 - to Mitra's house
Age 7 - living in a jungle and swinging on vines
             Age 8 - to go to Florida again
Age 9 - seeing a green anaconda

Favorite thing to do with Mommy: 
             Age 3 - play with her
Age 4 – play Candyland
Age 5 – cuddle
Age 6 - be outside playing tag
Age 7 - read books
             Age 8 - snuggles
Age 9 - snuggle and/or read

Favorite thing to do with Daddy:  
             Age 3 - play with him
Age 4 – play Candyland again!
Age 5 – play Legos
Age 6 - build Legos
Age 7 - build Legos
             Age 8 - read Warriors and do Legos
Age 9 - practicing archery

Sunday, February 14, 2021

Bitter cold

It has been bitterly, bitterly cold for the past week. Last Saturday I had a zoom call with friends (who all live in more temperate climates), and I showed them this forecast:

Yes, it was a forecast for an entire week of below zero temperatures. BLECH. But I decided to just put on my big girl panties and deal with it. I do live in Montana, after all!

On Thursday, however, my car decided it just wasn't worth it and it threw in the towel. At -19 degrees, it just wouldn't start. So I drove the truck back up to the house and called in for an unexpected day of PTO.

Thursday turned out to be a lovely day at home. I finished a book and read another full one, did some yoga, rearranged my bedroom, and witnessed Mike and Rose doing EFC. Lovely!

photobomb from Doug!
 

By late afternoon, Mike convinced me that I should just preemptively admit defeat (on behalf of my car) for the next day as well. The "high" temperature was still supposed to be below zero on Friday, and the low overnight was supposed to be in the -20s. So I called in and turned off my alarm for the next day. I always feel guilty when I cancel work, but given the forecast I think my body was also looking forward to a brief reprieve, and I appreciated a good night of sleep with no anxiety about starting my car the next day!

Friday was a lovely day in which I didn't cross the threshold of our house even once! I deep cleaned my bedroom floor, read another book, and then had a sleepover with Rose :)


Saturday was still cold, which made it a great day for baking. Somewhat hilariously, Weather Underground called -2 "warmer" than Friday. Yes, technically, I suppose. But not in any really meaningful sense, since -2 is still freaking COLD!


Today (Sunday) was marginally warmer - we actually got above zero! HOORAY!! But the bad news was that Mike noticed that my truck had a flat tire. Like pancake flat. UGH. So I "helped" him to change it. Then I drove it down to my car to make sure my car would start.

Mike was convinced that the 30 degree increase in temperature would mean that my car would start with no problem, but he was wrong. Turns out my battery was completely dead. Ugh. (So glad I didn't realize that on Monday morning!) Rose and I took a "quick" trip into Great Falls to get it replaced, and found out that everyone else's batteries were also dead, and most stores were sold out! Thankfully we found ONE in stock battery for my vehicle at the THIRD store we went too. And this was just an auto parts store so the guy said he wasn't supposed to actually replace it for me, but I succeeded at looking pathetic enough that he did it. I'm so grateful!

So that was my four-day weekend. Unexpected, with some highs and some lows, but delightful over all. 

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!