Bikes, Hikes, and Bug Bites

After months of feeling locked inside our one-bedroom apartment we're so grateful for the nice weather! We considered, only briefly, buying a second car so I could get out more with Seth, but our budget doesn't allow for that. So, we compromised and found a bike for Luke to ride to work! He doesn't bike to work everyday, but having the freedom to actually make plans after one o'clock in the afternoon is WONDERFUL.

You have no idea how isolating it is when your home is too small to invite people over and you can't meet friends anywhere because you don't have transportation. I feel like I've lost friendships over the last two years because of the disconnect we've had; from our work in youth ministry, 9 months without internet at home, change in churches, and a work schedule that is opposite of others'. Hopefully some of the changes we're making now will help us reconnect with people we've lost touch with over the last few years.

Along with getting our 'second vehicle' this month, Seth is just about to turn 10 months. It's so fun to experience life through his eyes. His personality is really starting to develop. Just the other day he was playing peek-a-boo with me, using a blanket to hide. He's starting to laugh and giggle more too. Sometime last week we heard him laughing in his bed around 6 a.m.  I went out to check on him and he had pushed the mattress pad of the Pac-N-Play up and was sitting there kicking it, watching it flap back and forth... I guess it was really funny...

Recently we've been able to take some day trips to explore the outdoors with Seth. My brother, Eric, and his fiance, Cassandra, took us on a hike to Ramona Falls. Quite the hike,  but so worth it. I think it's a 7 mile hike, round trip. I haven't been on that long of a hike since I was in high school, I'm sure!

Cannon Beach

Another day we drove to Cannon Beach and played in the sand for a bit. Seth LOVED it. He's a fan of wide open spaces where he can crawl fast and far. Definitely got mad at me when I tried to get him to take an afternoon nap that day.

At Little Crater Lake

A couple weekends ago we took a trip to Little Crater Lake where we celebrated Eric's 30th birthday and fought off mosquitoes. I think Seth only came away with one bite, lucky kid. It was another beautiful day and, if Luke hadn't had to be at work the next day, we would've tried camping. Maybe later this summer.

I'm really looking forward to more adventures as a family. More hikes and time at the pool; playing at the park and enjoying the warm sun on our faces. Life isn't perfect, but we're so thankful for what we have.