The Heidt Family

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Wonderful Weekend

We were a little slow getting out to take Amelia's first hike. Seems like we have been so busy, busy, busy lately. With no sign of us slowing down at all (I think we have plans for the next 3 weekends if not more), we had to take our opportunity this weekend and GO GO GO! The weather was wonderful, amazing and not at all like August is supposed to be in St Louis. It was in the upper 70's, lower 80's and PERFECT for a hike! So, hike we did!

This is one of our favorite hikes called the Lake Loop at Cuivre River State Park. For some reason, I always think this is a quick almost 3 mile loop. And every time we get there, I'm amazed that it is just over 4 miles long. But, it takes awhile to get there and we're already there...so we always hike it. Which is what we did today!

Here we are outfitted for the trail! William in the backpack (note to self: must adjust to fit this new, bigger boy for next time). William was also trying out our newest hiking addition: the bug/rain/sun screen over the top of the backpack. Although the thing looked ridiculous, it actually saved William several pretty big head bonks along the way.

And, baby girl in the front pack carrier. Can you believe she used to fit inside me? Crazy, isn't it? Amelia rode like this for about .5 miles until I decided that walking sideways wasn't the most efficient way to hike 4 miles. Amelia is already so big that I couldn't see my feet, or the ground for that matter. We quickly fixed that situation by turning the front pack into a backpack a little way into the hike and it was MUCH safer for both of the girls (and quicker, too).

Pretty orange flower along the trail.

The view up ahead: the boys! We let them go first to take down all the spider webs across the trail! There were a lot of them!

A family portrait ... Amelia's hat is crooked (and doesn't match her outfit *GASP*), William is hidden behind the shade, and the rest of us... well are looking kind of funny, but this was the best shot.

The hike was wonderful - just what we needed. Until about half way through William got hungry. Being two and a half, he isn't able to just say "Hey guys, I'm hungry! Can you get me something to eat?" Nope, he whines and complains until you think your ears are bleeding. I'm surprised John's ears are still functional after the last 40 minutes of complaining and crying. Once we got him out of the backpack and put a granola bar into his hand, he was one happy camper again. So, note to self: get the snacks out of the backpack. It is worth it for your husband's sanity.

After hiking, we picked up some lunch and then drove down to the Festival of the Little Hills. Which is kind of like a giant outdoor craft fair as far as I can tell. So, I was in heaven with the aroma of funnel cakes and promise of hand made, one of a kind goods.

To finish out the weekend, we grilled and cooked up some corn on the cob. Like I said, it was perfect.

Amelia's First Hike!

...was 8/22/09! Got to write it down since I've given up hope on the baby book ever being completed.

Saturday, August 22, 2009

It all about the cars

Piece One:
John coming from home is always a big deal around here. We dance, we clap, we cheer and no one more than William (most days).

Piece Two:
William is madly, deeply in love with all modes of transportation. Cars, buses, trains, trucks, airplanes, etc, etc, etc.

Piece Three:
William loves to be a helper most of the time. He loves to have real jobs to do and be acknowledged for the work he does.

The story:
John came home from work on Friday and William ran to the door to greet him, jumping up and down. John asked William if he would open the closet door so John could put away his shoes. William ran to the closet, ran back to John and took the shoes. He put them away on the shelf in the closet and turned to John "Is that a good parking spot for your shoes Daddy?"

Of course it is sweetie :)