More Eagle River Hiking

 Fireweed is blooming so it must be summer!

We made the most of our weekend and early part of this week, knowing the weather forecast showed rainstorms moving in.  So, glad we took advantage of the nice weather, because we've been experiencing cool temps and rain for the past 4 days.  Okay- my Cordova followers, I know, I know,  I sound like a whiner now not able to handle some rain for few days - but the kids and I really had a great routine going with playing at the parks all morning and then good naps in the afternoon.   Oh well, we are going to go to Whittier this weekend rain or shine and do some fishing/shrimping and camping.

Back to the week...

The kids, myself and some teacher friends hit the trail at Eagle River Nature Center. We took about a 3 mile hike and I must say, Sister walked the whole way!  What a trooper!! 

Half way through the hike the kids needed a snack - Sister's idea was if they sat lower to the ground, the mosquitoes wouldn't bother them! 

Best part of the hike was finding the hollowed out tree - I could have left the kids there for they were so excited to play INSIDE the tree. 

A few days later, our next adventure was to South Fork Falls, right here in Eagle River. Literally about 10 minute drive and 1/2 mile hike from my house is this beautiful waterfall. 

The kids of course did not understand why the railing was holding them back.

But, still had fun listening to the waterfall.

Brother wasn't too happy to squish so close to Sister for a selfie.

I'm reading a book called, The Art of Neighboring by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon, which is a movement regarding becoming better neighbors. I remember growing up and my parents knew our neighbors names, lent a hand with projects and just genuinely cared for their neighbors. We've lived in Eagle River for a year now, and I didn't know a single neighbors name.  Well, this was heavy on my heart and then our church pastor is preaching through this book.  Anyways - in the book, it suggests moving to the front yard - be visible so your neighbors can see you and you'll no longer be a mystery.  

So - we did just that - made an effort to play in the front yard. Sure, it's next to the road, but we taught the kids they have to stay in the grass and when they hear or see a moving car, they need to immediately sit down.  One of the vehicles in the neighborhood is a very loud truck - literally sets of car alarms in the morning with its loudness.  Following directions - they stayed in the grass, sat down - but then I loved how they both have their ears plugged as the loud truck went by.  Ha, ha...  maybe not the impression we want to make - oh well.  We tried.

Hope you all can find ways to get to know your neighbors this week.  Can you believe it's the last week of June! Ah - slow down summer!!