Our Hiking Adventures in Pictures

        In case you haven't noticed, I greatly enjoy getting outside for exercise, to enjoy nature, and just to clear my head. I've been having a great time this summer going for walks and hikes with Myka (and my husband on occasion ;) ) that I felt like sharing some pictures from our excursions. Some of these are from us going out on our own and others are from the ranger led hikes here in the national park. We live in a "mountainous" region (they are hills to me), so I am super proud of myself for actually getting through the ranger led hikes without killing myself...or at least passing out. :D (They are 3-4 hour hikes and usually between 3 and 5 miles, roughly.) I know that sounds cheesy, but it's not often I'm proud of myself for ANYTHING, so yah, I am bragging a little bit! Regardless, I hope you guys enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed being in the places to take them! 

These are just a few of the pictures we took on the Caddo Bend Trail at Lake Ouachita (pronounced wash-i-taw, in case you're curious) State Park. It is absolutely gorgeous here and I can't wait until it cools off enough for us to go camping this fall! The best part is it only takes about 20 minutes to get there!

 I can't remember if I've shared these ones with you guys before or not, so if I have I apologize. This is from a short hike the 3 of us did on West Mountain in Hot Springs National Park. Don't tell my husband I posted a picture of him. It will be our little secret. ;)

These pictures are some random ones from different trails/areas we've stopped at on Hot Springs and North Mountain in Hot Springs National Park on our ranger led hikes. The top left is from the North Mountain overlook, top right is a view from Goat Rock, and the bottom is obviously my daughter in her super nifty carrier from Kelty! If you do a lot of hiking, backpack carriers really are a must have lifesaver. :)

Last, but certainly not least, are a few pictures from our ranger led Sunset Trail hike in the national park. The entire thing is AT LEAST 9 miles long, so, since we have a time limit on the ranger hikes, it goes without saying that we did NOT do the entire thing! lol Which is quite alright with me because the portion we did was enough of a workout for me. The top left is a view from Balance Rock, top right is the mountain we started on (doesn't seem that far, but we went AROUND, not down and up), and the bottom is another view from Balance Rock. 

Wordless Wednesday

Brylane Home Giveaway - New Home, New Roots Giveaway Event

It's Day 7 of We're Parents!? New Home, New Roots Event. I can't believe it's been a week now!  I hope you are enjoying everything! To see all the giveaways for the event and enter to win the open ones just click the image below! 

Click on the image below to be redirected to a list of open giveaways.

Today's Fantastic Sponsor is Brylane Home.  

Photo Credits: Brylane Home

To be honest, I had heard of Brylane Home before, but had never visited their website until recently. They really DO have great prices on items! We all know that furnishing a new home (or even buying new things for your current home every now and then) can be expensive. Whether you're looking for new curtains, a couch, or outdoor furniture and accessories, be sure to check out Brylane Home's website to save a little dough!

Brylane Home was started in 1998 to make consumers' lives easier by keeping them up to date with the latest styles, colors, and designs.  They don't think you should have to wait for a sale, so everyday they offer the best prices!  The company actually consists of two divisions:  Brylane Home & Brylane Home Kitchen.  Brylane Home is known as "America's White Sale Catalog".  With everything from Fashion bedding to Housewares to Bath items, they also offer Floor covering, vacuums, sewing, and ironing products to complete your home shopping experience. The Brylane Home Kitchen division was added in 2000 to bring customers hard-to-find kitchen and home essentials.  In 2005, the company merged the two divisions together to form BrylaneHome.com.  Customers can now easily access everything from home fashions, decor, kitchen essentials, and the perfect gifts, all at one site and at unbeatable prices. 

Brylane Home literally is your one-stop shop for any of your home needs.  Need a new appliance?  They have the best available necessities, like blenders, toasters, and irons, as well as novelty appliances like ice makers and halogen ovens. They have a huge assortment of towels, bedding, and curtains that are sure to meet your needs for any redecorating you may be doing.  Storage organization, food prep, and personal care items are just some more of the fabulous items they offer.  Need furniture?  Not to worry, Brylane Home has all your needs covered for that too.  Indoor or outdoor seating, lighting, accessories, and more they have everything.  If you are looking for the best prices on quality products, look no further!

To see a full review of just a sampling of what Brylane Home has to offer, JUST CLICK HERE! 

To Purchase: Visit Brylane Home's website to view their full product line and see how their products can help with all your storage and organization needs.

To Win: We're Parents and Brylane Home are giving One lucky reader the chance to win the 4-Tier Drying Rack and a 6 pack of Stainless Steel solar lights (a $110 ARV). Enter the Rafflecopter below, all entries are optional with exception of your address which is necessary for product shipment if you are the winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Giveaway will end at 12:00am EST on 7/31/13. The winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter which uses Random.org. The winner will be announced both on Rafflecopter as well as We're Parents Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Wellness Mats. We're Parents and other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only.*Getting Green with Baby has not received compensation (monetary nor product) to promote this giveaway.

Spark of Amber Review & Giveaway

            Amber teething necklaces are quickly becoming quite the trend in the natural parenting community. I’m not even close to being a completely crunchy mama (nor do I ever intend to be), so I had only heard of these teething necklaces briefly recently. I was under the impression they were for the mother to wear and baby to gnaw on. This is not the case, however. They are meant for baby to wear, but not chew or suck on. If this raises a red flag with you, you’re not alone. The idea of my baby wearing something around her neck WITH small things she could choke on to boot made me nervous at first too. I will explain in a minute why it’s not as scary as it sounds.

            So, what exactly is the big deal about amber? Purportedly, when it is worn close to the skin, baby’s body heat causes healing oils to be released from the amber (which is actually a fossilized resin, not rock). These healing oils are said to have natural anti-inflammatory, calming, and pain relieving properties. Now you can see why they would be helpful with a teething toddler or baby!

            Spark ofAmber was kind enough to send Myka and I a teething necklace to try out. I’ll be completely honest: I was both intrigued and skeptical about whether it would actually help with teething. However, it came at the perfect time to try out. Myka has been going through her second round of teething for about a month now and FINALLY has 2 teeth to show for it!

            We have been using the teething necklace (which I believe is “The Seashore” from their website) almost every day for about 2 weeks now. Myka is naturally a very laid back child and usually only gets a little to moderately fussy while she’s teething. Keep in mind every child is different, of course, but from our experience it seemed the necklace helped out about 70-80% of the time. Let’s face it, though. Any help with the joys of teething is welcomed, especially if it is natural and has no side effects!

            My favorite aspect of the teething necklace was the way it was made. The folks at Spark of Amber make sure to tie a knot in between each bead. Why is this important? In the event that the necklace breaks, all of the beads will not fall off and go skittering across the floor everywhere, which would be tempting for young children to pick up and put in their mouth.

            I also liked that the clasp was easy to screw on quickly so that I could get it on Myka before she knew what hit her. J With some things, if she has time to notice them, she likes messing with them. I’d rather her not be messing with the necklace and so far she hasn’t really taken much interest in it. That’s another nice thing. They are made short on purpose so that they aren’t dangling where baby can see it and want to play/yank on it.

            Overall, my husband and I agree that the teething necklace seems to have a noticeable affect on her teething fussiness. At the very least, it makes a really cute accessory, especially with all of the different styles Spark of Amber has to choose from. They also sell adult jewelry as well, such as earrings, rings, breastfeeding necklaces, and even make pet collars all at reasonable prices!

            If you would like to purchase a quality amber piece of jewelry from Spark of Amber, please visit their site HERE. Or, you can enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a teething necklace of your choice! 

Entry-Form

Getting Green with Baby did not receive monetary compensation for this review/giveaway. I received a product in return for an honest opinion and review of it. All opinions expressed herein are my own. Getting Green with Baby is not responsible for prize shipment; that is the sole responsibility of the sponsor of this giveaway. If you have any questions or concerns about this giveaway, please email me at AliciaOwen6814@yahoo.com,

Wellness Mats Giveaway - New Home, New Roots Giveaway Event

We are on Day 3 of We're Parents!? New Home, New Roots Event. Thanks for coming by agian! No need to worry if you missed the first 2 giveaway posts. To see all the giveaways for the event and enter to win the open ones just click the image below! 

Click on the image below to be redirected to a list of open giveaways.

Today's Awesome Sponsor is Wellness Mats.  

Photo Credits: Wellness Mats

I have personally used these at several different jobs in the past AND worked at places where they needed them and didn't have them and honestly, they really do make all the difference in the world! It's great to see these are available for home use now AND they're made in the U.S.!

Wellness Mats knows that consumers are aware of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and set out in 2000 to manufacture products that truly make a difference. The philosophy is simple- if they can address the health and safety concerns of millions in the workforce, then they can extend it to the home setting too. These mats are the mat of choice for Homeland Security and TSA and widely advocated and used in the hospitality, industrial, medical, and health & spa industries. They believe in doing things the right way and that means from innovation to technological advancements their company is built on integrity and honesty. And because they are the manufacturer, they know every mat shipped is handled with the same care, concern, & commitment. Wellness Mats will also never compromise their products, values, or integrity by looking for shortcuts.  That's why every mat is 100% "Made in America".

Wellness Mats has you covered no matter where you need a mat.  Kitchen, Bathroom, Workplace,  working out, garage, grill, and some many more ideas, you can't go wrong. These revolutionary, anti-fatigue floor mats are ergonomically engineered to help you say goodbye to back, knee, and foot pain. Medically proven to provide comfort, safety, relief, and support while you stand.  Their 7 year warranty guarantee provides you with: 

Unmatched comfort Premium 3/4" thick Edges will never curl No-trip ¾ beveled edge Anti-microbial (by design)

Puncture & heat resistant Stain & dirt resistant Easy to clean Safe & non-toxic (PVC-Free) 7 Year Warranty!

Want to gift one of these amazing mats, but not sure which one to choose?  Wellness Mats offers gift certificates to let the recipient choose which one they want.  

To see a full review of some one of Wellness Mats amazing kitchen mats, JUST CLICK HERE! 

To Purchase: Visit Wellness Mats website to view their full product line and learn more about this great company.

To Win: We're Parents and Wellness Mats are giving One lucky reader the chance to win a 3x2 wellness mat of their choice (style and color- up to a $130 ARV). Enter the Rafflecopter below, all entries are optional with exception of your address which is necessary for product shipment if you are the winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Giveaway will end at 12:00am EST on 7/27/13. The winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter which uses Random.org. The winner will be announced both on Rafflecopter as well as We're Parents Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Wellness Mats. We're Parents and other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US and Canada Only.*Getting Green with Baby has not received compensation (monetary nor product) to promote this giveaway.

Baby Food Fridays Series - Peter Rabbit Organics Review & Giveaway

            Have you heard of Peter Rabbit Organics? If not, it’s about time you did!

           

            As I’m sure you’ve gathered, to say I prefer organic food for my daughter would be an understatement. That’s why I love Peter Rabbit so much. Peter Rabbit Organics makes USDA certified organic fruit and veggie puree blends in convenient, BPA-free pouches. Nothing, and I mean NOTHING, artificial is ever added to their purees. What you see on the image on front of the pouch is exactly what you get: 100% fruits and veggies blended together for flavors babies and toddlers will love!

            Peter Rabbit Organics was kind enough to send some pouches for Myka and I to try out. Aside from me liking them because they are organic, I also like that they really are in combinations that children will love. I’m not a big veggie fan, although I am starting to come around in recent years. I have fed Myka baby food that I have made and then given her something similar from Peter Rabbit and she likes the Peter Rabbit blends way better. I’ll admit, I thought they were pretty tasty too! As long as she enjoys them, I’m happy!

            The consistency and texture of PRO purees are excellent as well. In my opinion, they are the perfect consistency for new eaters, even if they are good as healthy snacks for older children as well. Please keep in mind they are fruit and veggie BLENDS, so if your child is literally just trying a new food for the first time, be sure to give it to them by itself. Once you know they are not allergic to any of the different fruits and veggies that make up a blend, then you can feel free to give them puree mixes. Peter Rabbit’s are not too thick like some can be, so your child is less likely to gag or even choke.

Hopefully you get an idea of the consistency here.

            Another favorite feature of mine is the convenience of the pouches. There is no need to refrigerate them before use. (Although you will need to put it in the fridge after it is opened for food safety reasons and consume the whole thing within 48 hours. That’s just good sense, though.) I also love that I can just squeeze out however much I need into Myka’s bowl (which is usually quite a bit because she seriously LOVES these things!) instead of having to scoop it out of another container or even thaw ice cubes of baby food out. Who wants to do that?! Peter Rabbit Organics pouches are also great snacks for toddlers and older children. It is easy and fun for them to eat straight from the squeeze pouch PLUS you can take them anywhere! Let’s face it: it’s a lot less messy than some snacks too and a LOT healthier!

Pear and Pea

            I would say that I was excited to see that we had received two of Myka’s favorite flavors, but I don’t think she’s tried one that she hasn’t liked yet. She loves anything with fruit or peas in it, so the Pear and Pea blend is one of her favorites! Most of the time I can’t shovel it in fast enough! Much to my surprise, she also gobbled up the Carrot, Squash, and Apple puree. While the apples do give it that sweetness she seems to enjoy, she is not a huge fan of orange veggies so far. Needless to say, because of this, I was delighted to see that she actually liked this one. (Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of this one because the babysitter fed the entire thing to her while I was at work!) The Apple & Grape blend was a big hit too. She actually ate the whole thing in one sitting, which was both exciting and frightening for me. She liked it so much that she got mad at me a few times when I wasn’t shoveling it in fast enough.

Um, I think she likes it! :)

            Peter Rabbit Organics products can be found in an abundance of places, including, but not limited to, Walmart, Starbucks, Buy Buy Baby, REI.com, Target.com, and many more! Be sure to check out their website as well to see what other veggie and fruit blends Peter Rabbit Organics offers. Also be sure to visit their News tab for some Fun Stuff!

            If you have been checking in every week during my Baby Food Fridays series to see what the mystery giveaway was going to be for, you found it! This concludes the series and I hope you have enjoyed it and maybe learned a thing or two. Below you can enter the giveaway form for your chance to win an assortment of 10 Peter Rabbit Organics fruit and veggie pouches! Good luck!

Entry-Form

Getting Green with Baby was not compensated monetarily for this review. I received products in exchange for my honest opinion and review. All opinions expressed herein are my own. GGWB and all other promoting blogs are not responsible for prize shipment. That is the sole responsibility of the sponsor of this giveaway. If you have any questions or concerns, please address them to AliciaOwen6814@yahoo.com. Thanks!

Norwex Prize Pack Giveaway - New Home, New Roots Giveaway Event

It's Day 2 of We're Parents!? New Home, New Roots Event. We are thrilled you came back for our celebration! No need to worry if you missed yesterday's giveaway post. To see all the giveaways for the event and enter to win the open ones just click the image below! 

Click on the image below to be redirected to a list of open giveaways.

Today's Incredible Sponsor is Norwex with Darcelle Kropp.  

Photo Credits: Norwex

If I haven't made it totally obvious by now, I absolutely LOVE natural cleaning products! Our family is trying to get away from using unnecessary chemicals in every day products, and there are so many great, eco-friendly products to choose from nowadays! Norwex is no exception...

Norwex is committed to radically reducing the use of chemicals that we have in personal care and cleaning products. They feel the need to reduce chemical use by emphasizing positive environmental impact that humans have on our globe. No longer can we ignore the warning signs we are getting from nature and must make a change together. We must be responsible for our planet.

• Norwex "clean without chemicals" was birthed in Norway in 1994, soon after microfiber was first manufactured in Sweden.
• Norwex enters the home party market in Norway in 1995 and the business grows quickly.
• Norwex expands to Canada and the United States in the Spring of 1999 and experiences great success and growth.
• The business and product line expands to include personal care without chemicals.
• The company expands into Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia in 2004 and in 2008 into Australia.
• The continued mission is to improve quality of life by radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning.
• Norwex has achieved a milestone of exceeding 20,000 consultants world-wide.

Eco-friendly cleaning not only allows you to feel better about helping the environment, but it saves you a ton of money too!  And really, I don't know anyone that doesn't like saving money!!  You can simply wash and re-use the products over and over.  Norwex has everything for your household cleaning needs.  Whether it's the kitchen, bathroom, floors, or your personal cleaning, they have you covered with the best eco-friendly products on the market.  They even have kids products including an adorable Kids Sized Mop Package! 

To see a full review of some great Norwex products, JUST CLICK HERE! 

To Purchase: Visit Norwex with Darcelle Kropp's website to view their full product line and learn more about this amazing company that's making the world better.

To Win: We're Parents and Norwex with Darcelle Kropp are giving away a $75 Prize Package that includes the Household Package, Spirisponge, and Kitchen Scrub Cloth. Enter the Rafflecopter below, all entries are optional with exception of your address which is necessary for product shipment if you are the winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Giveaway will end at 12:00am EST on 7/26/13. The winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter which uses Random.org. The winner will be announced both on Rafflecopter as well as We're Parents Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Norwex with Darcelle Kropp. We're Parents and other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US and Canada Only.*Getting Green with Baby has not received compensation (monetary nor product) to promote this giveaway.

Tupperware "Thatsa Bowl 4 Piece Set" Giveaway - New Home, New Roots Giveaway Event

Welcome to We're Parents!? New Home, New Roots Event. We are thrilled you are joining us for this celebration! There will be a total of 10 giveaways over the next few days for great products that you need for your home whether you just recently bought or have been staying there for some time now. If you want to see the list of upcoming days just click on the image below! 

Click on the image below to be redirected to a list of open giveaways.

Today's Amazing Sponsor is Tupperware by Holly.  Holly started selling Tupperware over a year and a half ago because she loves the product line and believes in its functionality.  It also allows for her to bring in additional income for her family. 

Photo Credits: Tupperware

It's likely that at some point in your life you have experienced Tupperware in some way or another; perhaps your mom or even grandma used their products, you've probably been to a Tupperware party (or at least heard of them or been invited to one), or maybe you already use some of their products! Regardless, Tupperware has been around for as long as they have because they make quality kitchenware. Even if you don't currently use any of their products, who wouldn't love to win some, right? Be sure to enter the giveaway below for your chance to win a Thatsa Bowl 4 piece set. These would come in handy for any number of things, including baking, storing leftovers, or even using one as a popcorn bowl on movie night! 

Chances are you probably have heard of Tupperware.  Having been around for more than 65 years now, it's one of the most trusted names in housewares.  Offering the highest quality products with the finest design features, Tupperware makes everything easier from toting lunch to work to baking to storage needs. Tupperware stands firmly behind it's long, well known warranty policy that they will replace any product that chips, cracks, breaks, or peels. 

Whether you need storage options for the fridge or freezer, serving solutions, lunch packing tools, or the lastest and greatest food prep gadgets, Tupperware has you covered.  They are constantly redesigning their product line to offer you the greatest solutions to make your life easier while keeping your food safe and secure. They offer a full kids line, including toys, towels, cookbooks, and more.  Tupperware has fully expanded their line from what they used to offer to ensure that they are your one-stop shop for all your kitchen needs. You're friends will be dying to know how you keep your pantry and fridge so organized when they see you are decked out in Tupperware. 

Photo Credit Tupperware

Not sure what to buy someone you love? By grabbing one of their gift card options, you are sure to be loved at the next housewarming or bridal shower when the gift recipient opens their present!

To see a full review of some of Tupperware's best selling and newest products, JUST CLICK HERE! 

To Purchase: Visit Tupperware by Holly's website to view their full product line and learn more about the household must have items that Tupperware offers.

To Win: We're Parents and Tupperware By Holly are giving away a 4pc Thatsa Bowl Set in Green! That's an $84 Value! Enter the Rafflecopter below, all entries are optional with exception of your address which is necessary for product shipment if you are the winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Giveaway will end at 12:00am EST on 7/25/13. The winner will be chosen at random through Rafflecopter which uses Random.org. The winner will be announced both on Rafflecopter as well as We're Parents Facebook. The winner will have their prize sent to them by Tupperware by Holly. We're Parents and other participating bloggers are not responsible for prize shipment. Must be 18 years and older. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google are in no way affiliated with this giveaway. No Purchase Necessary. US Only.*Getting Green with Baby has not received compensation (monetary nor product) to promote this giveaway.

Baby Food Fridays Series - Storage Methods

            The Baby Food Fridays Series is quickly coming to an end. I hope you all have enjoyed it so far. J Today’s post will be the last of the “informative” ones and we will be discussing homemade baby food storage methods. Next Friday’s post will be the mystery review/giveaway, so be sure to come back for the grand finale. ;)

            As far as mostly commonly used storage methods go, there are 3 main ones: small plastic/freezer safe glass containers, ice cube/baby food trays, and reusable or disposable pouches. One is not necessarily better than the others, but each definitely has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.

            Other than just feeding your children a simplified version of what you’re eating at each meal, refrigerator and freezer safe containers were likely the first storage method used for baby food purees. One of the biggest advantages (in my opinion, at least) of using containers is that most people already have some on hand that could be used. Depending on what size you use and/or if they are stackable, they will take up a relatively small amount of space up in your fridge/freezer. In general, it is safe to store food in the freezer for up to 3 months, which is great if you like to make purees in bulk like me! You can also easily thaw your food out by just sticking the whole container in the fridge. One disadvantage of using containers is if you use large containers and your child is just starting out with food, you will have to scoop out food from the storage container into another bowl to prevent contamination. This will also mean extra dishes!

            Before we move on, I would like to note that it is extremely important that if you use glass containers, make sure they are made of tempered glass or another glass that is safe to use in freezers! Food will expand and contract from one temperature extreme to the other and you don’t want your glass containers to shatter. Ouch! You may also get tiny slivers of glass in your food if your freeze cheap glass containers. While they’re not big enough to see, they ARE big enough to do damage.

            Ice cube trays/specialty baby food trays are also a popular option for storing baby food purees. These are great to use if your baby is just starting out on solid food since the portion sizes are smaller. You can also stack them, of course, once they’re frozen, so this will take up less room in your freezer. Ice cube trays are also pretty cheap price wise and available in most big stores and some grocery stores. One disadvantage of using freezer trays is that you will have to pop out each spot and likely use a plastic bag for it to thaw out in the refrigerator. These would also be a bit of a pain if you have older babies who are eating several ounces each meal or day. Trays may also be tricky if you want more than one type of food in each tray. Last, you have to clear a level spot in your freezer while you wait for the purees to freeze.

            Finally, reusable and disposable baby food pouches have become a new favorite of parents and caregivers in the last year or two. While the reusable ones are pricier, you can use them over and over so you are actually saving money in the long run. With disposable ones you can either make bulk amounts or small amounts of food. You are also more likely to make a variety of purees with the disposable pouches. They too can last in the freezer up to 3 months. Both types of pouches are suitable for younger and older babies amount-wise as most come in 4oz. sizes. You can also use these pouches with older children as a snack and they can squeeze it themselves and eat straight from the pouch! Who doesn’t love having less dishes to wash? The major disadvantage of reusable pouches is that you are likely only going to buy a few since they are pricier, therefore not having as much of a variety in your food. As far as the disposable pouches, you are creating extra waste since you can’t reuse them, and that’s no fun. Plus you will have to buy more every couple of months or so.  

            Do you make your own baby food for your little one? What is YOUR favorite storage method? 

Enjoying the Little Things

            I am having a spectacular time on my between jobs interlude so far! After my last day at work on Sunday I was able to have dinner with a few friends from work. I think that is only the second time I have been out of the house to do anything fun without Myka or John since I had her. My husband’s weekend is Monday and Tuesday, so we were pretty lazy Monday. We mostly played Minecraft (yes, we are a couple of computer game nerds) and went to the store, although that is NEVER fun. I told one of my friends from work I would rather starve than go to the store. Lol

We splurged a little and bought some new movies from the awesome $5 bin at Walmart. John picked out “Over the Hedge” and some Looney Tunes cartoons and I picked a combo pack of “The Hills Have Eyes” movies, if that gives you any idea about our personalities. (Shouldn’t I be the one picking out kids movies? Lol) We also rented some from Redbox. One was a spoof movie with one of the Wayans brothers in it and the other “This is 40”. I don’t know about you, but I love Paul Rudd! Neither was a horrible movie, but I probably wouldn’t watch either of them again. Oh well. I love popcorn and movie nights. At least you know the popcorn will be good. ;)

Tuesday we went for a short hike in the afternoon. Silly me thought, “Oh, it’s not that hot out so I won’t have to worry about sweating so much.” Ha! We were only out for 1 ½ hours and things were still drenched. It really makes a difference having 30 extra pounds on your back and walking up inclines, to be fair. We watched the remake of “Red Dawn” that came out last year with yumtacular Chris Hemsworth (aka Thor). Maybe I’m just weird, but I found an interesting tidbit of useless movie trivia on one of my random IMDb tangents the other day. Chris Hemsworth is the older brother of Liam Hemsworth, who plays Gale in “The Hunger Games”. Josh Hutcherson, who plays Peeta in “The Hunger Games”, is in the remake of “Red Dawn” as well. I just love useless trivia like that.

This morning Myka and I went to the library for a program called “Baby Steps” they are doing each Wednesday in July. I like it because it’s specifically for kids under 18 months old. The first part of it you sing rhymes, clap, bounce your baby, that sort of thing. The second half is basically just for the parents to meet and the kids to play. If I haven’t already admitted to you guys that I’m kind of anti-social, I am now. It was kind of nice talking to new people, though. Since we were already in the downtown area, I decided we’d go visit daddy at work and get a quick walk in. Now I’m just waiting for Myka to wake up from her nap so we can Skype chat with one of my aunts. Her little boyfriend will be here in a few hours too, so hopefully she’s not asleep the whole time like she usually is when he comes over. Lol

           What do you guys like to do for fun with your kids? Hiking? Play dates? Swimming?