Our Growing Family... Enjoy Your Weekend!

Last Sunday we got a nice break in the weather to take a 2 mile loop nature hike along the American River near our home. The lush green grass, cool river breeze and blue sky dotted with white, puffy clouds was good for my soul and my brain.
This fence always cracks me up. It says "No Trespassing", which our family technically was doing by standing on that side of the fence. But that's what's so funny. There's just his lone gate, long abandoned by any semblance of a fence attached to it. How on earth do they keep anything out?

Below... our growing family...

A couple walking by offered to take our photo.

Yes, we're growing by another member, but really, I am amazed at how much my kids have grown this year!

Nicolas is now officially taller than me, although in this photo he's standing at a slight incline. I'm about 5'7" and, at age 12 1/2, Nic is just under 5'8".  It's strange to look eye-to-eye, but he still knows height doesn't replace authority. :-)  Anna and Greta are also tall for their age, and John Michael is relatively tall according to the Down syndrome growth chart... thanks to Doug's genes I'm sure. I'm not getting taller, just rounder at 22 weeks today.

This is such a cool place... so natural and serene. This huge tree must've fallen down 15 years ago or so. I can't remember it ever not being there. And by the well-worn path going under and around the tree, it's clear that many people besides us have stopped to enjoy the view and, perhaps, a climb.

I hope you find time to enjoy your weekend with the ones you love, too.