5 little hot dogs

too long my friends

i don't know why i have let such time build up between this post and my last. i have been busy but not more than usual. i am proud that i have been as faithful to blogging as i have, more than i have ever been to any kind of regular journaling in my entire life. raise your hand if you're one of those "starts a diary and then stops a couple months later" kind of people! i would really like to try in earnest to keep up with you better, to be a more fluid blogger.

with that being said let us move on to the business at hand, ronan's graduation from preschool today. we went to the elementary school a few weeks ago to bring in all his important papers as well as fill out endless forms for the admissions office but today marked his transition from kiddy school to big kid school. i'm feeling proud but oh so emotional. crying jags have been many, damn all these hormones circulating through my body. the kids sang songs for the parents followed by a tear jerker photo montage and then certificates were passed out. way to go ronan!

pre-graduation ceremony

finn was in baby hell the whole time

receiving his certificate from mrs. weiman

i love you!

My Review of REI Flash 18 Pack

Originally submitted at REI

Versatility is the name of the game with the REI Flash 18. For use in your larger backpack or duffel, this lightweight daypack cleverly converts into a stuff sack simply by turning it inside out!

REI Flash 18 Pack

my go-to bag

By Trelimon from rapid city, sd on 4/27/2011

 

4out of 5

Pros: Large capacity, Easy To Load, Comfortable, Highly Adjustable, Lightweight

Best Uses: Hiking, Day trip, Cycling

Describe Yourself: Casual/ Recreational

What Is Your Gear Style: Minimalist

Was this a gift?: No

this is the ONLY bag i take on my day hike adventures. it's light and feels small on my back, yet it's bottomless when it comes to filling it. the daisy chains on the outside are great for clipping any additional gear that just won't fit in the interior.

i do wish there was a loop or snaps that my camelbak bladder could hang on inside the hydration pocket. for now i just slide it in the hydration sleeve and it collapses on itself as i empty it during the hike. thinking i might have to mod it to my liking.

even that one problem does not stop this from being one of the most amazing ultra light and basic bags out there. very streamlined and i love that about this pack. even bought one for my husband because i liked mine so much. i only hope rei keeps making them cause if mine ever kicks the bucket i want to replace it with another one.

Tags: Picture of Product, Using Product

(legalese)

it was a spearfish sunday

my first picture turned out amazingly overexposed!

we were surprised to find snow still covering parts of the trail.

a christmas ornament?

he climbs everything and anything he can find.

the terrible beast that is finn.

huge nests in the trees.

rim of the canyon.

easter fun!

a big thank you to bryan and jaccie for hosting the boys and me for easter dinner. sadly keith only got to be with us for baskets and breakfast before he headed in to work for the day. the kids got to play with friends and eat candy to their hearts content but the biggest hit of the day was the trampoline.

my attempt at getting all the boys in the same picture.

hunting for eggs

a little walt whitman for your easter morn

"in the door-yard fronting an old farm-house, near the white-wash’d palings,
stands the lilac bush, tall-growing, with heart-shaped leaves of rich green,
with many a pointed blossom, rising, delicate, with the perfume strong I love,
with every leaf a miracle......and from this bush in the door-yard,
with delicate-color’d blossoms, and heart-shaped leaves of rich green,
a sprig, with its flower, I break."
    -walt whitman

best friends

jennifer and me, best friends since forever. it was a balm to my soul to hug her after too many years apart. i love you!