Hiking with the kids

Yesterday the kids and I took a brief hike up a trail just outside of town called Gibson Jack. We walked up there with the kids on Sunday, and they did so great, hiked the whole way without being carried, even Eliza. So I thought I would try it again. I made the mistake of telling Ian that we could play in the little stream on the way back so every 5 minutes he tried to get me to turn around, saying he was tired, wanted to go home, anything just so he could play in the water. In this picture he's just pretending to be sad because he wants to go back.
So we didn't make it nearly as far up the mountain as we did on Sunday. But it was a good break and got them out of the house and gave them their "Green Hour." I even got to take my new birthday present camera (Canon Powershot SD1100 IS) with me and try out some cool features.
Ian had so much fun playing in the water that he wouldn't even hold still for a photo. Just jumped around like crazy. Eventually Eliza had to get in to so I had to put away the camera so I could keep her safe. By the end of the trip the kids were covered in mud from head to toe and I still haven't cleaned out the car. (sorry Mike!) Mike by the way was hanging out in the Sun Valley area with his buddies. Ok, ok. Not really hanging out. Fighting a fire and camping in the dirt.

Happy Birthday to me...

So tomorrow is my last birthday. Growing up, whenever I asked my mom her age, she always replied, "29". After a few years I caught on that she wasn't aging, but she always insisted she was 29. Despite the fact that she was just 4 months shy of 40 when I was born. So I think after tomorrow, I will have to give up on birthdays as well. Except you can all still give me presents. And ice cream cake. And hugs. And cards. Even e-cards. But from here on out, if anybody asks, I am 29.

Kids

Sometimes I can't believe that I'm not still 20 and living a single life at college. But then I have a few reminders running around. My kids are growing up so fast!

Ian had a happy 4th birthday and Eliza is finally walking and talking. Hooray for them both!

What kind of camera do you like?

Recently Mike had an unfortunate run in with a large tree in California while hiking. As a result, our camera has died. We liked our camera, the HP Photosmart R607 but I have been really unhappy with the company. They don't sell parts to camera repairmen and when I contact the company, they just keep trying to sell me a new one. So I am dissapointed in HP and will not buy from them again because I don't feel that cameras are disposable property. They should be able to be fixed. So I was wondering if anybody had any good cameras to recommend. Maybe a Canon, Pentax, Nikon or something? I've been wanting to take some pictures of my new apron that I made for a new post but I can't!! So all you blog lurkers who are out there and not commenting (I know who you are...) Please comment and tell me what digital camera you like best, or what one not to buy. Thanks!