Mother's Day visit to Tallula Falls, Georgia

We went to the Tallula Falls State Park in north Georgia on Sunday. After attending Saturday evening Mass we had the entire day for the park. We were afraid it was going to rain, but it ended up being a really nice day for a hike. Isaac rode in the backpack down the 500 stairs to the falls and then walked up the stairs so that Quincy could ride in the backpack. We didn't realize that dogs weren't allowed on the stairs or suspension bridge leading to the gorge. So, I carried Quincy down because she got her toes stuck in the grates. We couldn't leave her in the car (too hot) and didn't want one of us to miss the trip. It worked well, although we broke the rules a bit. Spoiled dog--she clearly didn't bother anyone since she was in arms or our back the entire trip. We felt guilty leaving our other pug, Rascal, at home but was so relieved that we did because there's no way I could have carried both down those steps. I can handle an extra 23 pounds, but not 50+. Rascal just doesn't travel well and really doesn't enjoy car rides and being out of his element. He was quite content to take a nap at home. Quincy loved the special trip with us.

The park was really well maintained and suprisingly not overcrowded. We had packed a picnic lunch and sat by the arches (see photo) for lunch after our 3 hour hike. At the interpretative center they had a display of stuffed animals that was a hit for Isaac. Isaac did really, really well climbing the stairs. I was proud of him. He enjoys being out in nature, but really wanted to take a "bike trip" rather than a "hike trip." His days riding in the backpack are numbered.

We had a delicious dinner of grilled salmon (wild caught, not farm raised), brown rice and broccoli. Isaac enjoyed helping with the grill which consists of him taking some "grill tools" (spactuala, tongs) out to the grill area and playing with them in the dirt. Relaxing and fun Mother's Day 2009. We did miss seeing Mimi P, Mimi Y and Gigi.

Memorial Park

Isaac has not been sleeping very well or consistently since returning from California. We're hoping it's a phase. Anyway, we were up entirely too early on Sunday morning so decided to go feed the ducks at Memorial Park. I thought it would be a good time to go first thing in the morning as the ducks should be hungry at this time of day. I was wrong. First, we got there before the park opened. And the ducks were still asleep and really not interested in food. We still had fun. We spotted a few turtles, snake and a family of baby ducklings--all of which Isaac loved. And our pugs loved going for a special outing.

We decided it was due time to get some flowers on our porch so found some Sunday afternoon. Isaac wanted red flowers which was good because that's what Donavan and I wanted too. He's holding his dear Pablo, the penquin in the photo. He is very attached to Pablo. Isaac has been taking good care of the african violet plant in his room and is really excited about watering the plants this summer.

Strawberry Pickin'

We've been to Washington Farms a couple of times in the next week to pick strawberries. The berries are delicious and it's been easy to quickly fill a couple of buckets. Isaac's favorite part of these trips are the animals. He loves looking at the bunnies, chicks and pig. He's convinced that we need a bunny. I've explained that Mommy is allergic, but he thinks the bunny should live outside. When we get a house we'll discuss it--that is not likely to happen anytime soon so I figure he will have forgotten about the bunny by the time we move into a house.