Zane's Birthday, Camping and May Fun

The beginning of May found us once again at Hume Lake.  We hiked around the lake and ended at the beach area for a picnic lunch.  Zane enjoyed some time playing in the water.

Snow plant

In the summer this is a small rock island we have kayaked to

Playing on the beach

Splashing in the water

Zane really enjoyed playing in the water

For Mother's day we drove up into Sequoia National Forest and played some disc golf on an old logging road.

Disc Golf

Working on our throwing skills

So blessed to be a Mom to this great kid

On a trip down the hill we spotted a tarantula and stopped to check it out.  It was much bigger than the ones we saw in Colorado.  Zane enjoyed getting an up close look at it.

A size perspective with Casey's fingers

Getting closer

For some projects around the house we bought a special wagon/cart that has a dump bed.  It has become Zane's favorite new toy.

We have done many walks around Hartland picking up sticks

It's a great place to hang out

Collecting water to make mud

And it works as a swimming pool on hot days

We celebrated Zane's 5th birthday this month.  We had a walk by birthday party.  All of his camp friends came by and sang happy birthday and enjoyed a dirt and worm cupcake.

Puzzle and legos

Dirt and worm cupcakes

Hiking backpack and cowboy boots

He got some clay eggs that you have to break open;

And in the middle are dinosaurs

A hammock

Zane is Five!!!

His big gift from Mom and Pop is a tree house.  Casey is milling the wood from a large Ponderosa pine that is down behind our house and they are building it together.  More pictures to come as the building progresses.

Building the tree house

Using the drill

The month ended with Zane and Casey doing a short backpacking trip into the National Forest to camp overnight.  Zane was very excited about his new hiking backpack, he wanted to try it out right away.  He carried his sleeping bag.  Zane loved the s'mores, sleeping in the tent and being up with the birds the next morning.  We are sure there will be many more trips in their future.

Getting ready to hit the trail

Eating a s'more

The campsite

Hot cocoa in the morning

Finding newts on the hike home

We did some more local hikes in the national forest and around Hartland during the month.  We are getting plenty of outside time.  The pond was just filled this last week and we have been out canoeing twice this week.  Praying everyone is staying safe and healthy during this time.