My day...running on empty

JP's car is in the shop and has been now for going on 3 days.  They haven't even started working on it yet because they are backed up at mechanic's shop. 

Yesterday, my day went something like this:

Get up after 5 hours of sleep at 4:45 AM to drop Tera and JP off at work.
Come home and go back to bed.
Get up and shower.
Pick Tera up from work and drop her off at college.
Come home, have breakfast, chores and do school with Michael.
Take Daniel to his dual enrollment class.
Come home and finish school with Michael.
Wash the van.
Go to pick up Tera and Daniel from college.
Walk on the walking trail until Michael wipes out on his scooter (less than 5 mins.) and needs first aid on his skinned elbow.
Come home.
Prep dinner.
Eat.
Pick JP up from work.
Take Daniel to band rehearsal.
Arrive home about 9:30 PM for the last time.

I was up before 7 AM to take JP to work and let's just say, we both weren't in the best of moods, but mostly me.  It's not looking hopeful we will even get his car back today and it's another late night/early morning combo for tomorrow.  Running on empty...

Frozen Head State Park: Chimney Top Hike

Don't let the sign fool you!  This hike was rated the most difficult hike at Frozen Head State Park, but the kids (Tera and Daniel) really wanted to give it a try.  I wasn't so sure at the very beginning when I could hardly breathe.  But we hung in there and the path started to switchback and I was totally fine.  We hiked up about 2 miles and came back--4 miles in total, not the total on the sign.  

Frozen Head is a beautiful park and we are definitely planning on going back.  There are some waterfall trails we want to hike as well.  It's a bit of a drive for us, but it was nice to explore a new area on Daniel's birthday weekend.  

The visitor's center was very homey...

The posed picture vs. "How he felt" picture

 Started our first week in our new Bible study on Acts on the drive there.

 A beautiful place on a beautiful day with my people...

Happy Birthday, Daniel!

Lunch out at Hot Rods

The donut burger...

Party time...

Presents and adventures

Oh, the funny things you can do with a swim cap...

We each gave Daniel an adventure for his birthday:  bungee jumping, ax throwing and a ticket to Navitat Canopy Adventure.  We chose Navitat, because we could hike below him while he adventured in the canopy.  Win-win for everyone!

 

Tera and Michael got an adventure, too!  Girls' night out for Tera and a ticket for Brick Universe--Lego Fan Expo.  Michael was really excited about that!

Fun Fridays: Japanese Calligraphy

My friend, Akemi taught the boys a lesson on Japanese calligraphy.  She is so patient and affirming. 

The last time we were studying Japan, we were going to try mochi ice cream, but couldn't find any.  I happened upon some at my local discount grocery store--the good brand for half the price!

Two happy calligraphers