Palouse Falls in February

Last month, we decided to pack up the kids and go exploring at Palouse Falls - a super interesting area where the Palouse river cuts through the scablands and down into the basalt below to create a lovely canyon.

I was hoping it was still early enough in the year to get some cool ice around the waterfall pool, but alas, it's been too warm this winter. You won't hear me complaining, but we will have to try again next year.

We stopped in Colfax to pick up Winston and then Nels and I had a good time getting to know the area better as we took multiple wrong turns shortcuts down muddy roads on the way there. Thank goodness for 4-wheel drive. :)

We checked out the overlooks and talked a lot about erosion, while Hazel told us about all the cool things she's been learning in her Washington history section at school.

Our girls absolutely adore this boy. Winston is Tracy's youngest son and just a year older than Hazel. Winston has always been a cousin favorite, but in the last two years that we've been able to see the Moores on a regular basis he's become more like a brother figure to our little women. They are constantly scheming about the time when they can see him next. Winston has a delightful, free-spirited imagination and our girls never tire of his company. I love his quirky humor and full-throated laugh.

It was nice to get out of the house.

It's been such a weird winter. With two moves in the last six months, I haven't been able to pull off my usual winter hibernation and it's been a bit rough on the psyche. It was therapeutic to take a day to get out of our "hobbit house in the ground" and enjoy the crisp air and some much needed movement.

Clara and Violet digging "snake holes". What a wonderful thing to be able to dig in the dirt in early February!

I love these beautiful faces.

After finishing up at all the paved areas, we spent the rest of the afternoon off the beaten path looking for arrowheads, bones, and paths down into the canyon that wouldn't kill us.

These loud-mouthed kids are so fun. I love them. They were slightly concerned about sitting on the railroad tracks. I assured them that certainly these tracks aren't used very often and all was well. Just smile for Dad and stop worrying. Ten minutes later a train came rumbling by. :)

I really liked this view. :)

Clara is absolutely fearless and does not like to be constrained or hold hands. Sometimes I have to figure out creative, nonchalant ways to keep her from plummeting to certain death as she throws rocks over canyon rims.

I love this man. I love that he indulges me when I want to go exploring and laughs when I get us lost. I love watching him with his camera and I love seeing him play with our crazy Clara.

In my ever-ready fashion, I had neglected to bring water with us and by the time the sun was setting we were all pretty parched. Even then, it was hard to leave such a happy adventure. We'll definitely have to come back.

There is Springtime in my Soul Today...

... for when the Lord is near,

the dove of peace sings in my heart,

the flow'rs of grace appear!

As Spring is springing in the Inland Northwest, I find myself compelled to try and capture each ray of sunshine.

I know that there are months of rain ahead, but when the clouds break and the temperatures stretch toward 60, my little feet just can't stay inside any longer. As I revel in the warmth my thoughts continually turn to my blessings. "Heavenly Father loves us so much!" "Thank you, Father, for letting us be here!"

No wonder I love springtime so much --- and Sandpoint is just glorious in the spring!

While browsing the internet looking for fun day trips in the area I came across information on the  Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes - a 72 mile paved bike trail that used to be railroad tracks running from the Montana border following the river and lakes through the mountains down past Lake CDA to Plummer.

I'd been watching the forecast all last week and when Saturday rolled around, we had blue skies and 60's. We packed up our bikes, our lunch, and our kids and drove an hour and a half to Heyburn State Park at the southern end of Lake Coeur d'Alene. What a beautiful place! Upon entering the park we were greeted by beautiful migrating trumpeter swans {they're HUGE!} and found our way to the bike trail and a picnic area.

pic via

There is a bridge that spans the south end of the lake, which is where we were starting on the trail. We pulled out our lunch and unloaded the bikes only to realize that we'd forgotten a vital piece of equipment! The little metal arm that attaches the bike trailer to the bike.

{Boo-hoo-hoo-hoo!!!}

I was seriously SO bummed. I'd planned the trip, we'd borrowed a bike, and we'd spent the whole day getting ready and driving down, only to find that we couldn't all go. Nels and I would have to take turns playing at the playground with Violet and Clara while the others rode around.

Big huge sigh and near-tears while I sat in the back of the van getting a handle on my disappointment.

{enter my knight in shining armor}

I finally pulled myself together and started making lunch for the girls while Nels began looking around the parking lot (?). A few minutes later I noticed him over at the bikes with a long stick and a look of determination. When he started trying it out on the slot where the metal arm is supposed to fit, I just smiled, shook my head, and refrained from telling him it was pointless - that it would never work - and just kept making sandwiches. He found some random tools in the van and started whittling away. {more head shaking}

After a few minutes, Nels had bored a hole through one end with a tiny pocket knife and a screwdriver and amazingly was able to attach that silly stick to the trailer.

At that point, I started to see the possibilities and together (using whatever we could find in the van) we were able to jimmy rig the whole thing to my bike. My hopes began to rise, but I was still feeling pretty skeptical as to whether our creation would support not only the trailer, but two wiggly kids being pulled up and down the bridge, around corners . . . or what would we do if we were 3 miles away and then it all fell apart?! AHHH!

Oh well!!!

I admired our handiwork, strapped in our kids, and told my brain to SHUT IT! while Nels readied his GoPro.

With good reason, Clara looks a little concerned.

Not Vi! She's all smiles!

Off we go!

Much to my surprise, not only did our contraption make it out of the parking lot, it conquered the bridge with ease! so we just kept on pedaling...

Occasionally I'd have to stop and tighten things up, but there were plenty of opportunities . . . 

. . . while Nels played with his toy.   :)

He hooked that little camera up to everyone and every moving thing that he could. His head, his chest, his bike, Lilie, Hazel, my bike, Elsie's bike . . .

Elsie had it the longest and she was a hoot! The camera would take a picture every couple seconds. We got some good ones!

wide-angle lenses make people look extra funny!

That girl, the same one who boobed and whined on every bike ride we went on last Fall, decided that she wanted to be out in front the entire 6 miles we rode that day. We had just crossed the bridge when I heard her tell me, "Mom, I just LOVE to push myself!!!"

Ha ha ha hahaaaaa! Who is this child of mine? She kept us laughing the whole way.

{singing}

{racing Dad!!!} my favorite!

Don't ask me how on earth she didn't end up in the lake while she was doing this . . .

. . . clearly she's a much more talented rider than I give her credit for!

I've always thought that Lake Coeur d'Alene is pretty, but this area of the lake is absolutely breathtaking! As we were riding, Lilie told me, "Mom, you know how I was complaining about being in the car for so long? Well, I decided it was TOTALLY worth it!"

I couldn't agree more.

The whole afternoon was just perfect. Hazel had a grand time picking buttercups and Lilie sang "All Things Bright and Beautiful" most of the way. It was so wonderful to spend the afternoon all together enjoying this magnificent world that the Good Lord has given us. We will definitely be returning in the coming months as things green up.

I also found my dream house while riding. Can you imagine living on the lake all year-round? Nels needs to figure out how to work from home --- that's what I think.

Once back at the bridge, we stopped at the top to take some pictures and wouldn't ya know it? As if things could get any more perfect, I looked out over the water and there was a bald eagle fishing for dinner.

C'mon, Clara! Come back to Mommy!

Aren't they awesome?!

As we were riding back, I knew that our little stick was on it's last leg. It had started bowing more and more and to balance the weight better I had to tell Violet to sit back often, but I didn't realize just how close it was. As we pulled back into the lot where our car was parked, it gave out. It couldn't make it any further.

I can't help but think that Heavenly Father blessed us to have such a beautiful afternoon together. I felt completely surrounded by His love and a sweet assurance that He is aware of me and my family.

As we loaded the girls and the bikes back into the van, the frogs were chirping, the sun was setting, and I couldn't imagine a better spring day.

There is gladness in my soul today,

and hope and praise and love,

for blessings which he gives me now,

for joys "laid up" above!

Oh there's sunshine, blessed sunshine

when the peaceful, happy moments roll!

When Jesus shows his smiling face,

there is sunshine in {my} soul.

Friday's Fabulous Five

1. Christmas was wonderful. So very wonderful! I was still sewing up until it was 'pajama time'...seems I can't help myself. :) What can I say? I think it's in my blood.

The girls declared it was the "best Christmas ever!" They make my heart so happy. I love my little children so much! I love our lives. I love where we are at right now.

In many ways this year has been the hardest of my life; in others it has been the sweetest. It was a joyous Christmas a truly filled with gratitude for our Savior and His tender mercies in our lives.

2. My Violet has been having a hard time lately. She is trying so hard to be happy, but it seems often she is really strung out. As if she just can't control her feelings. It's been going on for months and I've finally figured out what it is!!!

Isn't that wonderful?!

At first I thought she was just very tired and needing to start taking naps again. Nope. Then I thought maybe just "terrible twos"? No. That's just not her personality. She is such a contented little lady. Sick? No. It's been going on too long.

As I watched her craziness, I found myself completely understanding how she felt and so I made an eye appointment. Lo and behold, she is far-sighted. Just like her mama. (Although thankfully not as bad as I am.)

She'll be getting new little glasses in a week or so. :) I am so glad that I'm familiar enough with what it feels like to deal with eye strain that I was able to recognize it and help her even though she is still very tiny.

3. We get to spend several days with nearly all of Nels's family this coming weekend and I'm so excited! I love the Chicks! There are always lots of games and laughs when they get together. - We may even get to see my SIL, Melyni, and her family - who have spent the last three years on England.

We are going to have such a wonderful time!

4. For Christmas this year Nels gave me a sweet gift! A plane ticket for a weekend in Arizona with two of my good friends! I am so excited!!! I wish it weren't still a month away!

5. Last fabulous news: the Christmas candy is finally gone!

(finally=2 days later) :)

It's a blessed day indeed!

Post edit: Yes. Of course I meant ON England. That makes perfect sense!