Aptils showers and April flowers

This week has been all about making the most of the moments between the raindrops and enjoying all of the things we love about this time of year. 

On Monday after work, we headed out to make progress on our North Country Trail miles.  With rain in the forecast most of the week, i wanted to take advantage of any dry moments to enjoy the things I love about spring.  I was especially excited to see the trout lily along our hike.

Tuesday was a such a rainy day.  We took a lunchtime walk when there was a break in the rain, and thankfully, the girls napped the afternoon away while I was busy at work.

After work, there was another break in the rain, so we were able to get out for a little fun.  It was warm and humid from the rain, which is not ideal for walking with Peaches, so I was excited to find tiny little Millbrook park for a short walk before we headed to Padgett Park for a visit to the dog park.

This was our first visit to the dog park since they reopened for the season on April 1.  Mina was excited for the chance to play ball.  I was happy that I could get her some good exercise.

Peaches was not thrilled with the heat, but was happy to be able to wamder around the park sniffing to her heart's content.

After rain throughout the day on Wednesday, it cleared up in time for our Wednesday night shelter dog walk.  The girls rode with me to the shelter since they hadn't had a chance to get out much all day.

I arrived at the shelter to just two dogs, one of which was unable to walk due to having surgery that day.  So with only one dog to walk and four walkers, the girls got to join us for the walk, too.  All three dogs had the best time.

There was more rain on Thursday morning, but it eventually cleared up and we were able to get out for a nice walk on campus after work.

There was lots of flooding on campus, which was crazy to see.  

The Redbud trees were in bloom and we found Mayapples too.

The Magnolia were also in bloom, and the Cherry and Crab Apple trees will be blooming soon.

It was a wonderful, relaxing walk enjoying all of the things I love about campus in the spring.

After a busy week at work, I was happy when Friday arrived and brought with it some sunshine.

When I finished my work for the day, I decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather to get the girls out for a hike on the NCT.   

I debated where to go, and ultimately, I decided to head to Albion.  With the heat, we took it slow.

After two miles, we stopped at the car for a nice water break.  After a good drink and a little relaxation, Peaches was ready to go again, so off we went.

We slowing meandered along and added another 1.75 miles for the day.  It was a beautiful start to our weekend.

Saturday we awoke to more rain.  I started the day with a clean-up at a local carpool lot with a group of fellow geocachers. 

Then I headed home to get the girls out for a short walk, wrapped some birthday gifts,  made a salad, and then got into the car to head to Nicol's house for a birthday party for a very special little girl.

I spent the afternoon with Nicol, Tyler, my mom, and Fiona.  We had lunch, played games, opened presents, and had cupcakes.  It was a fun time spending the day celebrating Fiona's 4th birthday.

I also got to see my favorite guy, Picasso, and got to give him one of his birthday gifts too.

After a fun day at the big birthday party, I finally had to head home to the girls.  I got home around 7pm, fed the girls dinner, and finally sat down to relax for the evening.   It had been a busy, but fun day.

Cooler weather moved in for the weekend and we didn't even get out of the 40s on Sunday.  I knew we had to take advantage of the cooler weather to get in some additional North Country Trail miles, and so we headed out for a mid-afternoon hike in Homer.

Peaches was full of energy after a day of rest on Saturday and temperatures around 47.  She was doing so well that after finishing 3.5 miles, we took a little break and then decided to head out to see how much further we could go.

I didn't expect to go another 1.6 miles, but she did amazing and I really wanted to go as far as we could without over doing it.

I was really happy that we were able to reach 5.1 miles on the trail!  I was also really excited to find a Jack-in-the-pulpit along the way.

We took our time driving home to enjoy the beauty of the woods in the spring.

As we drove through Marshall on the way home, we stopped so that the girls could take a quick potty break.  The bonus was that we got another eight tenths of a mile on the trail there, ending the day with 5.9 miles on the trail.  What a day!

We have now completed 67 miles on the trail this year.  I had hoped to reach 75 miles by the end of May, but I now think we'll hit that number by the end of April.  I'm really pushing us to get done as early as we can this year since Peaches is still able to join us.  As she nears 14 1/2 years old, I know that may change, but for now, she still loves the adventure and I want to keep giving her as many adventures as I can while she still enjoys them.

On the way home from our hike, I called Fiona to wish her a happy birthday.  She spent her actual birthday today being spoiled by her mom and dad.  

She also made a special birthday cake for Picasso, who shares his birthday with her.  It's crazy to think that he is now nine and Fiona is four.  I sure do love those two!

This week our temperatures will get back into the 70s, and the forecast looks pretty dry, so  we'll definitely be getting outside to enjoy more April beauty.  I love all.the beauty that April brings.