Bumpass Hell

Before heading home, we wanted to squeeze in one more stop in the area. I'm starting to think we're becoming park junkies-- or at the very least that we need to add "visit all national parks" on our bucket list. Haven't decided which just yet. After a stop at the podunk yet adorable town of Chester for some coffee and shops, we made our way to yet another park.

Lassen Volcanic National Park neighbors Lake Almanor so of course we had to go. We had limited time and a long drive ahead so I'm thankful for technology {i.e. yelp} to provide the best spot for our short allotment. And it did not disappoint.

After reading reviews while driving up, we decided to stop at Bumpass Hell-- basically a bunch bubbling and steaming hot springs--remnants of former volcanic activity. We could tell that this was the park's main attraction with boiling pools of 322 degree temperatures and terms like "hydrothermal system" and "fumaroles" being tossed around. It required a 3 mile round trip hike which was welcomed before a long drive of sitting. We were game.

The hike was beautiful and easy so we did it in typically tourist fashion.

They have boardwalks set up to walk around the sights since the ground is really HOT and brittle. 

It was a really cool. It smelled awful {sulfur}, made lots of noise and had all sorts of different things to look at. I'm sure it's like some kind of heaven for geology nerds.

After the hike back to our car, we hit the road for home and made great time. We picked up the boys. Then fed, bathed, and put them all to bed. W and I enjoyed some sushi and a movie to unwind before the week ahead.

I'm happy to report that the following day was amazing. I thought for sure the boys would go through major detox. But they were pleasantly normal and that made for a very happy Mama. I was able to be super productive in getting us back into the swing of things and we even sneaked a bike/walk trip to the library. Major props to the gparents. They sure are pros. :) And great weekend for all!

Tilden Barn

We started the weekend {two weekends past} with our latest endevor: couch to 5k. As a family. So that meant W pushed Vesper and Theo in the double stroller, Ezra biked and I kept my eye on him. It worked. Let's see if we can keep it up two/three times per week, eh?! But it did feel great to exercise again and rejoice in the fact that I'm no longer pregnant. ;)

With a good dose of endorphins, a hardy breakfast and family shower, we decided to go out for the day. We'd just finished reading Charlotte's Web so we thought it would be fitting to head out to Tilden's little farm area for the day.

We did the farm first and fed the animals.

Then we did lunch, grass play time and the nature center before heading home!

Full Day of Fun

We spent an afternoon at Berkeley's Tilden Park last weekend. This place has loads of fun stuff to do and check out. We had high hopes and a full list, but only made it to the Botanical Gardens. It was just so peaceful and after finding a nice place on the grass, we were sucked in. So we are very excited to check out the other things this park has to offer, but will have to explore another time. 

We had a great picnic lunch after walking about half way through the gardens. Our little lunch patch was in between the trees.

During lunch, E showed off his latest uniqueness:

His love for carrying shoes by their strings??

I'd love to tell you this is the first time we've seen this, but it's not. And it's always this position; with his arm behind his back. It's quite entertaining, not gonna lie. 

At one point, he added the lunch pail.

It's good to know he fits right into our crazy antics. ;)

Lots of beautiful nature!

That evening, W & I headed out on a much anticipated date night! Seems like it's been forever, but we can't complain with all our traveling and other fun family events. Since it's been so long, we decided on just doing a slow dinner. Our three hour dinner at Simply Fondue was a.mazing and delicious!

Can't remember the last time I had a four course meal. Or have ever been that stuffed! Far more than any Thanksgiving. We learned quickly: pace yourself. It was truly such a great time to connect. We both felt a noticeable difference the next day. Love dating my hubby and that we all had such a great day.

Emerald City

Did I mention how much we love the greenery around here?! California, take note!! They have trees EVERYwhere. We especially loved how they are everywhere near the freeways. On retaining walls. In between traffic flow. And covering over-passes. A great way to balance out all that cement!

Some other things we've noticed about the great Northwest:

-The whole SE, W, etc. labels on streets can be quite confusing.
-Perhaps they're not creative enough because most streets are numbered.
-The sun doesn't start set until like 9:30, seriously! I think we'd have a hell of a time getting Ezra to bed at his normal 7pm if he was older on this trip. Or if houses didn't come with thick wooden blinds.
-People drive much s.l.o.w.e.r.
-There's even traffic here. But it's on a 4 lane freeway.
-Literally Starbucks heaven here. No joke. I think it's a prerequisite to love coffee in order to live here.
-When the sun is out, so is everyone else. And everyone's sundress. If you're a girl, that is. Very fun!
-It's also a prerequisite to have dreads or have a friend with dreads if you're in the city. Love it!

Happy Earth Day!

Today, during the morning announcements, we pledged: 

Earth Day Pledge

Today I will not litter.

Today I will recycle.

Today I will not waste any food.

Today I will turn off any lights that are not being  used.

Today I will take a 5 minute shower.

Today I will not ask for something I don’t need.

Today I will remember that Earth Day is everyday! 

More Of Our Beautiful Earth

Here's another glimpse of unusual animals, jungle birds. You may have never known about them, but thanks to Planet Earth-- we now do! :) Enjoy! Just imagine if human males tried to attract women like this!!

Click here to go to video.