Turtle Bay

I was feeling like I needed to get out of dodge so we headed to Redding, CA and Turtle Bay. We took Hannah when she was the same age Helena is now. Apparently I like this strawberry shirt because Hannah was also wearing it when she went to Turtle Bay. We'll just call it the "Turtle Bay Uniform." The first stop was the playground in Paul Bunyan's Forest Camp. We were there right as they opened and we had the playground to ourselves. Since we live out in the sticks I don't mind a little solitude.

Swinging was the first order of business...

Then we saw the butterflies

and fish.

We visited most of the rest of the park but I didn't feel like taking many pictures this time.

I thought some of the locals might appreciate this picture taken at 65 mph. Here's a picture of Shasta Lake (5/3/10). Normally you can see the red-orange "beaches" of the lake. It was so low at Thanksgiving that it almost resembled a mud puddle. It hasn't been this high in years from what I understand.

Too Cute

This morning Hannah wanted to hold Helena's hand and help her walk. I guess I forgot to make a post about her walking. She's been doing pretty well for about a month or so. For your viewing pleasure I let Hannah wear almost anything when we are at home, thus the John Deere sweatshirt, polar fleece pants, and rubber boots. Ahhh, I wish they got along this well all the time.

Marker Fun

It for the most part has still felt like winter/spring here. Hannah and I were getting pretty bored in the house so we bought some new things to play with. I was hoping Hannah might be ready to play with markers. I set her up at her highchair and tried to help her draw. It appears that she's ready for lipstick but markers are not that much fun yet. Thankfully they are non-toxic!

Whitney Butte

On Saturday Hannah and I went hiking with my Mom and a ladies hiking group she belongs to. This weekend's destination was Whitney Butte Trail in the Lava Beds National Park. The trail was 3.3 miles one way and rated as "easy." However, it doesn't feel "easy" when you are packing 25 extra pounds.

Here's Hannah and I all bundled up and ready to head out. The weather was typical for here and was everything from chilly to warm, and rainy to sunny.



We weren't sure when we started out if Hannah was going to tolerate the trip. She was quite fussy but as it turns out she was just tired. She slept most of the way in. Here we are at the end of the trail. The trail did not go up the Butte but just when around to the backside. It was decidedly anti climatic as we met a metal cable at the end of the trail. I had to look at it as exercise and good conversation. Hannah and I had a great time on the way out singing and doing action songs. Wow, it's hard to hike and sing at the same time!

On the way out we also took a 3 generation picture. My Mom assured me that I would appreciate it when she's gone and I'm sure I will. I reassured her that I would appreciate it even while she's around to enjoy. The wildflowers were very pretty right here. They were a purple-blue color and lined the trail. Unfortunately they don't show up very well.

All I can say after this was 6.6 miles of "easy" trail is about all that I'm up for. My hips and legs were definitely tired and sore!