Before Break

Prior to our Florida vacation, it had been at least a couple weeks since my last post.  We have found a few more parks to play at in Columbia and Deb actually used her spring break to come stay with us for a few days, too.  The weather was very nice while she was here, although I would really like it get warm and stay warm.  I'm so tired of bundling up to run every day.  The two parks we visited were Rock Quarry and Rock Bridge State Park.
Gracie showing off her balancing skills



Owen on top of a tire at Rock Quarry Park.  This park has lots of huge tires to play on.  The kids love to climb and jump from tire to tire.

Swinging with grandma

More performing from Gracie

This picture is at Rock Bridge State Park.  This park has "Devil's Icebox" which is a cave to go explore below the ground. The cave is closed until mid-April, but there are plenty of other trails to explore and places to see in this park.  It reminds me a lot of Ha-Ha-Tonka down by Chad and Annie's house.

The natural bridge here is huge and has a creek running under it.  The kids navigated their way as close to the waterfall as they could get.  

Entering the tunnel

Owen is getting some help from Dad.

Underneath the bridge, there is a cave that is pretty dark.  I had to use my flash to be able to see anything.  Nick is using his flashlight on his phone to guide Gracie and Owen up there.

They made their way down the creek.  I think Gracie's shoes got pretty wet.  We had a great time exploring that afternoon, but we'll have to go back again.  There is still so much more that we didn't have time to see there.

Owen received his star citizen award for the month of March.  They recognized him for his hard work and never giving up.

Owen with his award.  So proud of both of our kids!

Like I said before, all of these events were prior to our vacation and I'm just catching up a little bit.  We're back to reality now and life continues.  When we returned from Florida, it was much chillier and the wind was in full force.  However, things are still blooming and I came back to purple buds on one of our trees.  The lilacs should be blooming in a week or two, so I'm looking forward to that.  We don't have a lot on our agenda this week.  The kids start softball and baseball this weekend and are both really looking forward to it.  They ask me to pitch to them or play catch with them every day.  Both of them can hit the ball pretty well and I'm so impressed with how much they have improved since last year.  I can't wait for them to start their activities again!  They were playing a game of soccer in the front yard a couple days ago and insisted that Nick and I come watch their game.  Gracie, of course, dominates Owen, but he is very resilient and persistent in getting up and trying again.  One day, all too soon, I'm sure, he will overcome Gracie and leave her in the dust.  She does not take it easy on him most of the time and it will probably come back to bite her when he gets bigger.  

I think that's all for now.  Nick and the kids rode horses this past weekend and I will post some of those pictures as soon as Nick sends them to me from his phone.  It was great for them to get out and ride again.  Owen got bucked off of Dancer and she had quite the ordeal, but all is good now.  Just a little sore from the landing.  Hopefully we'll have another great week with school and the beginning of spring activities!

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