annual indoor winter campout

The kids had a day off of school last week so we decided to do our annual indoor winter campout. We started this a few years ago as a way to make January less depressing. Ben took the day off and he and I took turns doing a run at Lake Johnson to enjoy the beautiful weather that day. Then we all headed to Lake Benson and went on a short hike. We came home and had a fire in the backyard (and Ben burned our Christmas tree) and we had tinfoil dinners and s'mores. We set up the tent in the playroom and the kids slept in there (Ben slept in the playroom with them, but opted for the guest bed and Simon and I opted for our own beds). We had a pancake breakfast in the morning. I love this simple tradition and the kids always look forward to it.

Putting on a performance at Lake Benson.

Skipped the marshmallows and went straight for the chocolate.

New Year's Day Hike

We had a yummy breakfast casserole (made with Great Harvest bread) to start off our New Year and then headed out for our annual New Year's Day hike. We decided to try a hike at Eno River State Park. When we showed up, we found out they were having a huge hiking event that day and there were hundreds of people at the park. The last thing you want when hiking is hundreds of other people on the trail. Luckily they directed us to another park entrance where the crowds were far less and we were able to explore and hike in peace. It was fun to have Grandma join us. The kids were good hikers and had fun climbing around the rocks at the river. We'll have to return in the summer when we can get into the water. Oliver didn't bring a coat so he wore Amelia's coat the whole time.

Road Trip: Vermont (stowe + the cider mill)

We drove to nearby Stowe one day and hiked to Bingham Falls. The drive to Stowe was really pretty. After the hike we stopped at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh apple cider donuts.

saturday outing: hiking umstead.

While my mom was still in town, we headed to nearby Umstead State Park for a picnic and some hiking. Luckily the hiking trail lead to a river that was perfect for the kids to play in. Oliver soaked himself, walking right into the river (with his shoes and socks on). The girls were quick to join him.

Probably not the most appropriate footwear for hiking. But it was good for wading in the water.

New Year's hike

Everyone was feeling a little grumpy after our friends left. Our annual New Year's Day hike was the perfect remedy. We found a nice nature trail near our house. I love starting off the year with a hike.

  His late night dancing finally caught up with him.

Sugarloaf Mountain

I was so happy to have one last big adventure with my dear friend Jessica and her family. We headed to Sugarloaf Mountain in Maryland. We brought our camping stove and warmed up with some hot chocolate and donuts before hiking around the top of the mountain. The kids did great on the long hike and the views were fantastic. They especially loved climbing around on the big boulders. Hiking with friends is always better. We will miss our adventures with this fun family.