Week 26: Part 2--Backpacking and Babysitting

The next big event of Week 26 was our first backpacking trip as a couple. I seem to remember that decades ago we did something similar as a family. (Kids, remind me.) 

Anyway, now well into my seventh decade, it loomed as a big deal. However, it was a pleasant experience, not too difficult or burdensome. 

We hiked the Bloodroot Trail, enjoyed the natural beauty along the two-miles to campsite #1. 

 

Michael researched, planned and prepared expertly so we had everything we could need without carrying very heavy packs. Over several days he dried a variety of vegetables, eggs and fruit to be reconstituted for our meals. The first evening we had chicken tortilla soup! 

I survived the backpacking test! We may be doing this again sometime and for longer stays. This new adventure may take the place of our tandem vacations which ended two years ago.

The next highlight of the week was to spend time with the youngest grandsons while mom and dad were on their 22nd anniversary getaway. "Babysitting" is not the correct word (but it rhymed with backpacking in the title!) for two reasons: Zion and Jude are not babies, and we did not do much sitting!

Malachi and Lexi had them overnight Thursday and then dropped them off at the Upland Library to participate in some kid activities. When I joined them there, we put together a puzzle map of the US, a learning experience for me too! 

One of Kayla's roles at the library is to plan and prepare activities, games and crafts for the children. This week they had to create an imaginary animal.

Cowpig (says Moink); Bunnywhale; Shurtle

Rebecca was ready to spend the day with the cousins. We first stopped to see Aunt Leah's animals.  She taught us how to pick up and hold cats.

The young'uns and I had a lot of fun. Rebecca and Jude played the piano. We played several games of Splendor and tried out three of the four game extensions, read a book from my childhood (still relevant today!); had ice cream at Ivanhoe's, and much more.

Saturday, the boys walked the Detamore Trail with me. Thus they earned their lunch at The Bridge! They did, however, sit often on the nifty benches made from bottle caps and lids collected by the community and purchased by the Town of Upland. 

As promised here is Part 2 of this midyear blog post. And today is July 1st when chapter 9 published in My Argentina.