Outta Here!

It's been hot, hot, hot here in Virginia and Brian and I wanted to get away for a little vacation. We decided to head to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. It's about 3 hours from us and although we don't have a boat, we heard there was great hiking, waterfalls, and kayaking there so off we went. First I have to tell you, we rented a cabin off of the vrbo.com website and just a warning for anyone that does rentals, make sure you look for AC! I booked a cabin for us and didn't think to ask the owner if it had AC, figured that was a standard these days. When we got there the cabin was really hot and after looking for an AC unit we realized the place didn't have one. So we opened all the windows and doors to cool it down. So the only negative thing about our trip was lack of sleep due to no AC. The kids slept in the basement where it was cooler but Brian and I were upstairs where it was warmer and the temperature didn't cool down till dew point which was around 3am. I know because I was awake!

Somehow we mustered energy to play with the kids all day and keep them occuppied. We had a lot of fun going on the hikes and exploring this area. We would definitely go again but next time, I will make sure the rental has AC! At least if we go during the warmer months. This area has a ski resort called WISP in the winter. I am not a winter sport person so you won't find me there unless I am there to cheer Brian on the snowboard.

Hope you enjoy the pics. The kids had a great time....it was great to be out in such beautiful country.

First day there, we headed to Swallow Falls State Park; home of 5 waterfalls all on one hike. Here Brian is standing at the top of Muddy Creek Falls.

Lance really enjoyed the hike too! Swallow Falls is home to the hemlock trees. Don't know much about them but they are very pretty and the oldest one is around 300 years old. They are not giant like the sequoia but they are pretty and provided a nice canopy of shade for us summer hikers.

Daddy found a little inlet near a small gap in the rocks. Lance liked the sound of the falls too. He was quite the whole time.

Kaden and I doing some rock exploring...behind him is Muddy Creek Falls.

This is just a small rapid on the river along the hike.

One day we took the kids to Smiley's which is a place that has bumper boats, batting cage, go karts, mini golf and more. This was Aria's first time at one of these and she did great! Even got a hole in one!

All by herself! Go Aria!

Thursday, the grandparents came up to stay with us for one night and we took them out kayaking on the lake at Herrington Manor State Park. Perfect for the kids, it was very calm and we didn't have to worry about being near boats.

Kaden being camera shy, he wouldn't let me take a picture of him!

Lance and I. I took off with everyone else and he was hungry so out I went to feed him. By the time he was done, everyone else was at the far end of the lake. I got in and paddled fast. I think the noise of my paddles put him to sleep, either way he missed the whole adventure. We found several coves with lots of beaver dams, it was cool. Owell maybe next time he will be awake.

Grandma and Grandpa Valletta...they had fun too!

Ahh there is my doll, she had a great time too. She loves skimming her hands on the water.

There they are...my beautiful family:-) Proud mommy!

Daddy and Aria hiked behind Muddy Creek Waterfall...there were tons of swimmers there that day. And it seemed to be a big place for locals to come and swim. This was our second time there. We wanted to take Grandma and Grandpa there too, but this time we wore our bathing suits.

OUT. I was tired from not sleeping, Lance was tired because well that's what babies do, and the rest of them were tired from being in the water. And yes we are all on a rock. It didn't bother me much obviously. Poor Lance got a little too much sun on his nose after this nap I had to put aloe on his little face. Sorry Lance!

Happy Birthday Aria!

Ahhh I remember this day 5 years ago...in the hospital around 10pm and out came Aria at 5:42am. She was precious and I didn't want to see her grow up. I still don't for that matter, but of course God's plan for the little bundle was to grow up against my will:-) And grown she has in to a beautiful little lady that loves horses, barbies, playing with friends, and spending time with Mommy and Daddy. The years go by so fast and because of that I fear how the fast the next 5 years will go. But for now, I try to cherish the moments I have with her, despite the time that her brothers take up. I love to watch her sleep in those peaceful moments and try to imagine the lady that she will become. My prayer every day is that she has a compassionate heart towards all those around her and that she walks on God's path all the days of her life. Aria, your Daddy and I are so proud of you and love you so much....to our dear and precious daughter we are so glad you are our princess and we hope you had a great birthday!

Getting ready for the party...hanging up the birthday sign that I made thanks to some help from Aunt Nova.

The table before it got messy:-)

Eating pizza with Daddy; we had two girls and two boys. Both were neighbor friends that Aria plays with often.

Here are the girls, left to right; Olivia, birthday girl, and Sonya.



I made my first tier cake, I made the buttercream that morning and I was rushed through it. Thank goodness I made the cake the night before...it was ok, I didn't get the colors I wanted too because I divided the buttercream too large. I should have made smaller portions to dye. Owell I learned a lot this time around so next one will be better looking I hope! The taste was great though:-)

Aria standing at her birthday chair!

Cool, thanks Grammy Marilyn! A champion quarter horse Breyer model!

Another one! Yeah!!! Never enough horses in this house; at least till we can afford a real one:-)

BLUEberries!

Oh yes with hot Virginia summer days comes delicious fresh fruit off the farm! One of my favorite things to do in the summer is pick fresh seasonal fruit. Virginia has tons of orchards and with the variety one can easily stock up a refrigerator with fruit and vegetables. Can't do that in San Diego:-)

Every year the season is a little different due to the weather. Blueberries came in a little early this year and my friend Natalia and I decided it was time to bring some berries home! So the kids and I met her at Hartland Orchard in Markham. This is just a few miles from where Brian and I were married. I think that is how I learned about this place. Natalia has a son, Nicholas, and he joined the fun too! Oh and Natalia brought a friend of hers but she had to leave early so I didn't get any pictures of the whole group.

Kaden, Nicholas, and Aria hanging out in the aisle while Natalia and I picked. Oh don't worry the kids picked too!

Lance and I, he loved the sun and the nice cool breeze that was coming over the mountain...it was a BEAUTIFUL day to be out in nature.

Aria helping Mommy pick the blueberries.

Kaden playing with Nicholas' stroller toy.

Nicholas! I was doing the superman with him...He LOVED it!

Later after we ate lunch the farmer put the sprinkler on for the kids...Kaden couldn't keep his hands off the main piece. They got all wet but by the time we left he was mostly dry.