Lake Afton

We had planned to go camping a few weeks ago with two other families, but our plans got rained out.  So, we decided to go last weekend with just one of the families.  (We missed you C family!)  We decided to go to Lake Afton because it wasn't too far away.  I had read about the Observatory, but didn't know they had a whole park!

During the day, they weather was perfect.  Not too hot, not too cold.  The night time temperature was around 45 degrees both nights.  In my head, that didn't sound too bad, but in my tent, in the middle of the night, I was FREEZING!  I learned a lot the first night - we all should have been sleeping in hats.  I was able to put my head in the sleeping bag, but my conscience wouldn't let me because the girls couldn't put their heads in theirs'.  I didn't sleep at all because I was worried about the them.  Also, did you know that ducks don't sleep at night?  They quacked all night long.  Our friend mentioned before bed that it sounds like they are laughing when they quack.  As I laid in my sleeping bag, I chuckled each time I heard it.  At least for the first few hours.  Then it was just obnoxious.

Then next night was better, probably because I was so exhausted from not sleeping the night before.  The girls on the other hand, both had sore throats from being cold the night before.  I know, we're super great parents.  They survived.  Although, I am taking Emma to the doctor today for a possible ear infection today.  Its all about the memories, though, right?

 Anyway,  we all had a great time and the girls came home with a bucketful of treasures (bottle caps, fishing weights, a lens from someone's glasses, mussel shells, etc.).  Next time we're going earlier in October - and taking hats that hook under our chins.

The girls on an early morning treasure hunt.  I'm telling you, it was COLD!

Emma declared, "Look!  I found a Christmas decoration!"

Taylor participated in some Frisbee time with the dads.  She did pretty well!

I wish this weren't blurry.  What a sweet picture of K with A.

This was our sunset each night.  Beautiful.

***Just came back from the doctor.  Emma's ears are fine.  She's just being bad all on her own. Makes me feel like not such a bad parent after all.

Julie and Julia

I just finished watching the movie, Julie and Julia.  I absolutely loved it.  I'm not sure anyone could watch it and not be inspired.  I watched it alone because I didn't think Will would enjoy it much, but it will become part of our movie library and he will watch it.

I love to cook.  Its relaxing and ends with a sense of accomplishment.  I say that, but maybe those memories are from before I had kids.  Anyway...I constantly feel a struggle of what to cook.  My grandmas were great cooks and my mom was a great cook, but all of their (and my) favorites included gravy, butter, and bacon.  Those things are frowned upon these days.  So, I feel guilty preparing those things for my family.  Our meals should include things that will keep us all healthy.  I don't mind that, but they can sometimes lack flavor, or the ingredients to make them flavorful are expensive.

I want to sit down to a meal and say mmmm.....this is so good.  I want to bake breads and cookies and desserts to warm and comfort us in the winter.  I want to do all these things and not worry about packing on the pounds or clogging up our arteries.

Not exactly sure what the balance is.  One really good not healthy meal a week?  Dessert two times a month?  Cook what we want and increase our physical activity?  Oh, the inner turmoil.  I wish the quote below was one I could feel comfortable with.

photo credit