Saturday Morning Hike

This morning Elizabeth and I hiked the trails at the Knife River Indian Villages. I didn't realize the miles of trails they had there! I think this will be a staple walking place this summer with Ruger.

TRNP

Today was spent at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Besides the wind, it was a beautiful day! The herds of buffalo, wild horses, and views did not disappoint!

A few things

5. The making of homemade Maple syrup is so neat! My parents tapped their maple trees and made their own syrup this year. I tasted a spoonful of it and it is so good! It has a slight smokey flavor to it which is mmmm....so tasty. I'm excited to bring some back and make pancakes for Aaron!

4. I've never really been too interested in essential oils until, this weekend. Mom brought me into Detroit Lakes to a lady's house that makes/sells essential oils...and it kind of piqued my interest! When I came home I checked out all the essential oils mom has and turned on the diffuser. I now know what I want for my birthday.

3. Speaking of that lady's house - her house was amazing. I loved it! It smelled so nice and clean and the colors of her house were so warm and inviting. It inspired to me get painting on ours. When we moved in to our house I wanted dark brown, but for about a year now I've been really leaning towards light colors like creams and whites and light tans. So with that lady's inspiration, and pinterest inspiration, our living room is going to get a new look.

2. There's nothing quite like having the windows open at the lake and hearing the loons. It makes me want to get a Minnesota loon CD and play in the evenings.

1. I hope I have a son or daughter that treats me as good as mom treats my grandma. When my grandpa died five years ago, my grandma moved in and mom and Will have been caring for her ever since. In the morning mom will bring in her pills and breakfast, and grandma will get up when she wants, eat breakfast when she wants, and then come out at noon to have lunch. Mom helps bathe her twice a week and then does up her hair for her. With grandma's memory and dementia she doesn't really notice anymore what all mom does for her, but I do, and I think it's amazing.

NV, UT, AZ

I cannot WAIT for June and a sister trip with my middlest sister! We're headed south!

These pictures are like desserts for my eyes. Can't wait to see them in person!

Cross Ranch State Park

It was ferociously windy today; It didn't stop my old roommate and I from hiking Cross Ranch State Park, though! We hiked on the trails in the trees, since the trails by the river were so windy. Which was a bummer, since I think those trails are much prettier and more scenic. Oh well! We'll be back to hike those trails later spring/summer.

I bought a year pass to all the ND state parks. (It was $5 for a day pass and $20 for a year pass...pretty reasonable I'd say!) So I plan on taking Ruger lots...hopefully! Maybe we can even get my hubby to tag along a few times. (He's not much of a hiker.)

flats

I usually don't write reviews on things, just because the reason for this blog is to print it off after a year or two and remember all the good times/things going on in our life. Getting shoes doesn't really fit into that category! That being said though, I recently ordered some flats that are just too comfortable not to review. (I'll probably delete this post after a few weeks. :) )

I've been on the look out for brown flats for awhile, just haven't bitten the bullet and bought a pair. I found these on Zappos and decided they looked nice (and they also had great reviews) so I decided to order. I'm glad I did! They are super comfortable! If you are on the lookout for new flats, I would recommend these! Click here to check them out!

spring day

Today after my eye appointment, I picked up Ruger and we headed to my in-laws. We meandered up and down their tree rows, taking in the fresh air. Thankfully Ruger sticks around really well. He'll run up in front of me, zip through the tree rows, end up in back of me, run to catch up to me...the cycle keeps going. I love when he can get out and run, leash-less. He sure was huffing and puffing though...this 65 degree weather is almost too hot for him. "Oh Rue," I told him, "you have a long hot summer ahead of you!"

When fall rolls around I always think that is my favorite season. But now when spring gets here, I swear I love spring the best. I think it's safe to say I love the seasons...I don't think I'd like living down in Arizona year round.

Anyways, I brought my Nikon with. I even charged the battery before hand. I got there and (suprise!) no card in the camera. Urgh!

So these are a few I snapped with my phone.

Happy Birthday Rue!

Starting the middle of March last year, I would come home from school and immediately check the breeder's website to see if Ruger's litter was born yet. And on April 3rd, oh what a happy day! I then waited every week to see updated pictures of the litter until May 29th when we brought the little bugger (biting bugger I might add) home.

We went to Bismarck today and got him a new leather collar, a rope/tire toy, and a bone. A little later we plan on taking him for a long walk (his favorite thing in the world) and then we'll let George and Thea, our cats, in. (Watching and chasing them is another one of his favorite things to do!) Happy Birthday to our energetic boy that always makes us smile, every day!

Ruger, the far left one