Lake Lawson

On our recent Hike It Baby hike we went to Lake Lawson and I wanted to go back and explore some more. Since the weather has been great, we took advantage of it and headed out to do some more exploring. The area is actually called Lake Lawson/Lake Smith Natural Area and is 42 acres of preserved land with more than 12,000 feet of shoreline.

There are two parking lots. Head to the second one if you want to use the playground. There is also a boat ramp, a picnic shelter, restrooms, poop bag stations for dogs, kayak launches and several floating fishing docks. I also liked that there were several trash cans and benches. Apparently in the lake you can catch Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, and Crappie.

Leashed dogs are allowed. There were several families, people walking dogs, and groups fishing. The trails are mulch covered, but easy enough to push the stroller on. There are lots of docks and viewing areas to stop and sit at along the way. The new bridge that connects the two pieces of land was beautiful, and although there is lots of water I didn't feel like R was unsafe. We just made sure to hold his hand while he was on the strip with water on both sides.

I'll be honest; I didn't even know that this park was back here. There are lots of trails that wind and meander around, so you could go lots of different ways. We came after work and had enough time to fit in some walking and playing. The dogs really enjoyed themselves too!

p.s.- I'm loving these.

Summer Wish Lists

I know, I know. I've posted about not buying things as opposed to experiences. But window shopping is fun, and some of these things we do actually need. We are going to try using the potty this summer since I'll be home. If it works, great. If not, we will push it back a little.

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1- These are little extenders to help the water reach R's hands from the sink. We need four, two for our house, and two for my mom's.
2- These little boats would be cute in the water table, the pool, or the bathtub.
3- This set claims to make all kinds of bubbles including a gigantic bubble.
4- A floating basketball net for the pool.
5- portable potty seat
6- swimmer diapers, because I expect lots of pool days before we master the training!

Let me be clear, none of these things are things that I actually need. Just things I would order if I happened to win the lottery.

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A note about 3, a woman had these in a summer science training that Chelsea and I went to and we had such a fun time flipping them from time to time! 

Birthday List

How can it be that my little man is almost TWO?  For the holidays last year I posted an awesome list of experience gifts. I still believe in that. We have been so lucky to receive so many hand me downs and gifts. I honestly haven't had to buy clothes at all. So this year for R's birthday I'm once again asking for our friends and family who want to get him something, to get him something he can go and enjoy.

• Hike It Baby membership- ten bucks, lasts a year, an awesome gift 
• Zoo membership- we received this last year from our family for R's birthday and have used it a ton. 
• Haircut giftcard 
• Penguins Snowballs/ Doumars/ Skinny Dip/ Rita's/Chick- Fil-A giftcard
• Funville passes- They have a toddler price! 
• Skyzone passes- Toddler time passes!  
• Kroc Center Day Pass- so we can return to their pool
• Highlights Magazine Subscription 
• Hunt Club Farm tickets

Ready for all the songs with "two" in them?! Here's one! 

Dock Dogs

**The dog in this picture is blind and still competing. Everyone cheered for her. Annnnnddddd... I'm crying.

Although the event is called Dock Dogs, if you have any kind of pet, you should be sure to check this out. Dock Dogs is an event put on annually by Care A Lot. It is a pet expo of all kinds of pet related items. The main event is the competition. Dogs from all around the country come to run on a dock and leap into water as part of a competition. Aside from that there are tons of tents with lots and lots of free samples, events for kids, events for pets, and even a high flying dog show. There is a kissing contest, a costume contest, and even an ice cream eating contest (for dogs, not people!).

For kids there is a face painting, a bounce house, and a kids tent. In the tent are arts and crafts to complete. Each one is a $1.00 donation towards local rescues. Kids can also pick a free book from the REACH program. This year they even had a story time for the kids. I think the highlight though is the High Flyers program. This program takes rescue dogs and trains them to perform. It's awesome. We didn't plan properly and were between shows, so we missed it this year, but we have seen it several times before.

If you missed it this year, be sure to be on the lookout next Spring. It is FREE, you will get a ton of FREE stuff, and there are lots of good sales at Care A Lot.  Look for everything set up across the street from the Diamond Springs location. I also like supporting them because they are a local chain and give back to the community. 

Cheers to the Unsung Heros

May is the month of praising moms. We praise our own, our mother in laws, our grandmothers, mother figures. But let's talk about those other moms and friends who make our lives easier.

01. The hand me down clothes mom- This hero doesn't wear a cape, but she should. This is the mom who boxes up their child's clothes and lovingly sends them off to you so you don't have to spend money buying clothes that they will be in for six months. If you are this mom, we salute you. If you have this mom in your life, give her a thank you. 

02. The make you a meal mom- This mom is the one who takes the time from her insanely busy life to bring you a meal after you have your own baby, a death in the family, or you're sick. This might also be the take your kids for a night mom. If you're really lucky like I am, this friend might also come clean your house when you're in a crisis. (I can never thank you enough Nina! I have all the feelings!) This means that this mama took time and resources away from her own family to give them to yours. Cheers to you mama!

03. The wave at your baby mom- Hi! Hi! Hi! Hi! This mom waves at your baby or is friendly to her in line at the grocery store, at a restaurant, or the bank. This means that it earns you .5 seconds to complete whatever it is you're trying to do without your toddler screaming like a madwoman.

04. The aunt/best friend who doesn't yet have kids but treats yours like their own- This is the friend who does the diaper change when you're out and you just got your food at a restaurant. The one who pushes the stroller when you're back hurts, who watches the infant when you just need to take a shower. This friend, sister, cousin, is the one who buys the sugar for your kid when you told them no. They are also the ones who buy them their favorite toy on their birthday, who walk them around during a sports game, and who show them off with pride like they are their own. 

05. The practical friend- Oh friend, we salute you in the late hours of the night. The friend who gives you size six diapers at your baby shower... because you will need them eventually. This is the friend who when you say "No more toys!" at the birthday party actually listens and gets sunscreen. This friend's gifts come in handy in the times when you need them most. Toothpaste, sunscreen, diapers, and wipes are the real deal!