Cook Forest Hike

Connor and Brian took a 5 mile hike on Mohawk and Ridge Trail in Cook Forest this afternoon. Both of them are really liking the hiking experience and hope to continue doing so on the weekends throughout the winter months as long as it doesn't got too cold or snowy. So far, it's been great weather for them. Here are some sights on this trail.

New Look

After 9 months of not having her hair cut so it could grow out for Jeremy and Jordan's wedding, today was the day to give her a fresh new look. I love her new cut. Once her hair starts getting thicker on the top, I may try growing her bangs once again. Until then, I'm going to enjoy not having to wear something in her hair to keep her hair out of her eyes. Notice though that taking 3 inches off the back took away her wavy hair. Now it's straight and I couldn't be happier!

Thanksgiving Feast

Each year, 1st Grade at CL elementary school hosts a Thanksgiving Feast along with a short skit from each classroom. They ask just one parent to attend for the activity so I was able to take time off work to eat lunch with Connor and see his skit. After the program was over, we were able to take our kids home with us at 2pm.

This is the whole 1st Grade (just 3 classes)




Connor in his Thanksgiving Hat

Cook and River Trail

Cook Trail

Brian and Connor went for another walk this morning in Cook Forest. Starting out on Cook Trail, which is about 2 miles, Connor and Brian came across a low hanging hornet nest. We have been fascinated by the amount of nests that are apparent now that the leaves are off the trees. On just a half mile stretch of the Roseville Sigel Road we have seen 5 nests, one household took theirs down. And to our surprise, we've come across a nest behind Brian's garage, in the neighbor's tree. After Brian and Connor were done with their walk, they brought this one home and hung it in our basement. It's nice to have one to look at up close since we've been talking about them for the past month.



Dynamite Shack

On the Cook Trail, they come across this building, how funny!



Unique Tree

This is a White Pine and a Red Oak that have grown so close together, they appear to be one tree.



Interesting Tree

All throughout the forest, you can see unique trees like these. Why? These trees grow around old logs and then the old log eventually decays leaving the void. Interesting...



River Trail

In addition to the Cook trail, they walked the River trail which was close to 2.5 miles. Walking the trails in Cook Forest has been a very enjoyable experience for the family. It's been keeping the doldrums of the onset of winter away.

Cook Forest

Another nice weekend, how lucky were we? We decided to walk one of the many trails that Cook Forest has to offer this beautiful November afternoon. Everyone had a great time and we are looking forward to going back. We decided to do this trail, Black Bear trail, as it was flat and only 1.1 miles. We didn't want to take the kids on a difficult trail through the woods for the first time.




Heading deep into the woods



Maleah taking a break to play with the many leaves on the trail



Maleah and Daddy taking a rest



Connor and Maleah having a nice "Moment" together.





Mommy having a bit of fun with the kids



Maleah no longer wanted to walk. She wanted to rest right on this rock in the middle of the trail.





LOVE THIS!!!!



Kids playing in the leaves having a great time!! We had a great time today.

Report Card

Today Connor received his report card and did relatively well. He didn't make the honor roll, but he got a B+ in Math and B in Reading. He needs to stay focused in class as his teacher says. If anyone knows Connor well, staying focused would be quite the accomplishment. Good luck!! We will try hard for the honor roll next 9 weeks.

Indian Summer

Wow, I'm amazed by the warmer weather this weekend. How lucky were we to be experiencing upper 60's in November? Saturday we cut two loads of firewood and today we enjoyed the warm weather by walking in the woods at my Mom and Dad's house following an awesome roast that my Mom prepared for us. Thank you for the delicious dinner.

Here are pictures of the kids playing in the creek while on our walk.

Maleah Rides her Bike

We took advantage of the few remaining warm hours by allowing the kids to ride their bikes. Maleah got a bicycle in late spring and has officially mastered riding without training wheels. Brian took off the training wheels to see how she would do and to our amazement, she rode with perfect balance. We are so excited that she will be joining us on all our bike adventures next spring. I have the cutest video on Youtube of her riding if you want to view it. My user name is Jodi22703.