Focus on the sunshine

 I keep starting posts for the blog. The posts that I can't quite finish are about things like parenting and renewal and grief. I just can't seem to find the right endings to them so I'll keep them until I do. 

For now, I'll just keep

it light and airy. 

Last summer, we experimented with kayaking. We decided to use inflatable kayaks just to see if we'd actually use them before we made an investment in the real deal. I'm happy to report that we did use our inflatable, lovely, but unwieldy kayaks. So we pulled the trigger and got three hard side kayaks. 

We love them!! If you're in the market, I can give you a full review. Otherwise, just believe me that they are so much easier to use and increase our relaxation level by many degrees. 

Cannot wait until we get some consistent sunshine and warmer days, but we took advantage of the warm days a couple of weeks ago.

Happy (practically) spring!

First Annual Creach Camping Trip

For the last couple of years, Erick and I have toyed with the idea of what it might mean to be outdoor people. We love hiking, campfires, adventuring outdoors. We do not love camping. 

As a matter of fact, Sophia has never once been camping. Because of adult ambivalence, she has developed a real aversion. In order to get her to agree to go camping, I had to make it my Mother's Day gift. So, sure enough, we went camping this weekend!

Here is Sophia with our lovely tent. Spacious. EASY to put up.

We stayed at the campground at Graham Cave State Park. It was raining here in St. Louis, but it held off for us at the campground all weekend. Once we set up the tent, we headed out for a quick hike in the woods. All the recent rain has made for practically a rainforest feel. It was so lovely.

Here's our campsite all set up. Sophia and Leo are in the tent. You can see Sophia's face in the window. The hammock got lots of use, and fortunately Sophia did not hurt herself.

Also, I have a new phone that has a portrait setting. So, there is this.

And this, both by firelight. We went through four things of wood in our one-night camp.

The campfire and the relaxing always make me love camping. The sleeping on the ground and waking up to the loud and insistent birds always makes me hate it. This was me in the morning before Erick made us breakfast over the fire with his camp knife and a cast iron skillet. Impressive guy, that Erick. The breakfast helped me feel less disheveled, though I doubt it aided my appearance any.

Like I said, the hammock got lots of use.

In summary, Leo and Sophia are complete and total city creatures. Leo did not have any fun at all. Sophia had fun but got very bored and cold at night. Erick and I had fun and feel like we accomplished something. We hadn't tried camping in so long that we couldn't be sure of our feelings for it. Our feelings are as follows: we can hike, have fires, play in creeks, picnic and play while still returning to an indoor sleeping arrangement, particularly when Sophia and Leo are involved. On weekends when it's just the two of us, camping can come back into the entertainment rotation.

May as well be spring!

We've gone on several great hikes in the last couple of weeks. Today's was the best. We drove down near Ste. Genevieve to Hawn State Park.

Pickle Creek is a really beautiful area. A rocky, kind of intense trail. Leo got to come with us. He got really worn out by the end.

Along with our hiking shoes, we brought Sophia's rain boots so she could explore the creek a bit. This is just what we've learned after many, many soaking shoes.

The sunshine felt so great. It was just the right temperature, too. Sophia gets hot, even when it reaches 65.

The best part of our hike was off trail. At one point, near the rock above, we looked up the bluff and decided to see if we could make it to the top.

It was steeper than it looked, but we made it. We were pretty pleased with ourselves and the view.

These have been incredible days outside. I think we found the sweet spot for hiking with Sophia. When it gets up to 70, it sounds ridiculous, but it gets harder to get her to exert this much energy. That's part of the reason we scope out all the water spots. 

Hawn State Park. Highly recommend it!

Spring Break

Our Spring Break has been idyllic. We have done some outdoors and some indoors, and we've gotten lots of rest and had fun. I couldn't have asked for a better first week no longer working - that's a different story, but it makes this week that much sweeter.

Erick took Monday off to be with us, so we took full advantage of the nearly hot day we had by going to Laumeier Sculpture Park. We were not the only ones to have the idea, but we were the only ones I saw allowing their kid to dip in the creek. It was warm!



After the creek, she built her own sculpture. Quite lovely, too, I must say.

Sophia had some work to do with her partner on the Science Fair. But, even that took place with quite a bit of play and fun.

Today, we're relaxing. What better way to relax than inside a fort of pillows with a dog and his puppy friend.

Still have a few days left of our lovely week! Nothing on the calendar but fun and hanging out together. I'm so lucky.

Tired but Happy

This weekend, we tried to take full advantage of the strangely warm and beautiful weather. Lots of playing and eating and hiking outdoors.

It was perfect since we had the extra day together to enjoy it, too! Monday, we went to Pere Marquette, a beautiful state park in Illinois, right next to where the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers come together. It's quite beautiful. Leo's face in this picture gives you an idea of exactly how we all felt on our hike.

And here's a picture of Sophia on the horse farm at sunset. Because why not?

Zoo Time is Family Time!

This Saturday, before Sophia had a sleepover at a friend's house, the three of us went to the zoo. It was one of those perfect days where the weather was just cool enough for all the animals to be active but not so cool as to make us miserable.

We saved some things for another time, of course, but we traveled all over the zoo, including the spot where Sophia likes to climb in and around the scrub trees and bushes.

Some days things just work out right, and it was important that this was one of those days. The previously mentioned sleepover weighed heavily on Sophia's mind all day. Maybe that's part of the reason she got a piggyback ride part of the way home.

The sleepover went better than any of us honestly hoped. We were so happy for her. Then we realized that another little thread of that cord that keeps us so tightly bound just frayed away. Of course it's best! But it's true that our baby isn't a baby any longer. 

Spring Break

We've had a lovely spring break so far. Last year's spring break trip was to New Orleans. That was marvelous. Our only trip for spring break this year was to the farm in Illinois. Not as big of a change, but we had a lot of fun.

Sophia is so interested in agriculture. It's really interesting to me. As soon as we crossed into Illinois, she started asking questions about augurs and silos and how they all work together. Once we got to the farm, she spent a lot of time out in the wind with the dogs and the cows and the hay bales.

She also enjoyed the time spent indoors making cookies with Granny. It's something they enjoy each time, and Sophia always earns a little more trust with the process as they go along.

It was never too long before Sophia was headed back outside, though. She was determined to find this particular calf. On our last visit to the farm, Sophia got to name this little heifer, so she has a very vested interest in her progress. The plans for her don't include being eaten, so that's a relief.

In order to get out to her, we had to get onto the gator, a cross between a golf cart and a small tractor. I drove out through the cows, but in honor of my grandpa, I let her drive us back. She did great, and made a wonderful new memory.

I love that Sophia connects so fully and completely to the Illinois farm. It's fascinating to me how much of this stuff really is genetic. I'm grateful that we have the chance to deepen these connections while she's old enough to make memories and young enough to be formed by them. 

Mother's Day

Like each mom I know, I feel grateful just to be along for the ride with my child. 

Sometimes that's more literal than others.

Practically Summer

This last weekend got off to a great start with a visit from my parents. It was perfect weather for a visit to St. Louis. Mid-70's, not yet humid. Lots of sunshine and blue skies. In my opinion, the blue skies we get here are never more beautiful than over Art Hill in Forest Park.

We took a trip through the George Caleb Bingham Exhibit while they were here. And had our picture taken with a statue that made Mom uncomfortable.

If you're curious, Trader Joe's has really great sweet corn. And eating on the patio is a perfect way to kick off a lovely late spring weekend.

Fancy nails and fancy drinks help that feeling too. Anyway, it was a lovely visit and the best time of year to live in our neighborhood. Except for all the pollen. That's a different, whinier post.

Giving us a workout

Since Sophia has learned to ride a bike, it's pretty much all she wants to do. We have spent pretty much any afternoon that is decent enough on the trails with her bike. Erick and I have both been without bikes for years because while Sophia didn't know how to ride it wasn't something we could do very often. 

All that is going to have to change. Even though she's a beginner, she is fast. Erick and I are both completely worn out from following her around Forest Park on foot. The picture below was taken at the end of a couple of hours of riding for Sophia and walking for us. Erick actually won this race because Sophia was so exhausted from all the peddling, and the little grade in this hill was enough to do her in.

So, if you have a bike you love, let us know what kind it is. If you have a bike you never ride, let us know how much you want for it. 

NOLA Knockdown

This is the Jackson square - in my opinion one of the most beautiful places in new orleans next to the the foggy river and the very beautiful colored buildings, which I got to see in person. Like I said one of the most beautiful places in new orleans. I love new orleans so much. There is a beautiful line of shops right by the back gate of the Jackson square. In front of the Jackson square where this picture was taken on the steps. There is a dance group that performs there call the Master Dragon Showcase. They are what they call an acrobatic break dancing group. If you donate $ 20.00 they will give you a DVD of them performing. It was pretty cool.

You know new orleans just makes you so happy you have to smile. BIG! I mean real big. So big it makes the person next to you laugh, and trust me it will spread from face to face. And if you see it happen it will make you smile even bigger.

NOLA has so much to offer. Like great food, big parks, nice people and an aquarium. Great job new orleans. How can you get any better. Guess what the aquarium has in it SHARKS! This shark is a sand tiger shark with super sharp teeth. There were people in there cleaning the tank. Well actually there was only one person cleaning the tank. The two others had colored sticks to poke the fish and sharks away from the person cleaning so she wouldn't get hurt.

So much good food in new orleans. But the menu at ernst cafe really surprised me. I will bet you think this is chicken but it is not. Guess again. Yes you are right it is alligator. It was surprisingly delicious.

See isn't the river beautiful? Well I think it is one of the most beautiful things in new orleans. I love the way the clouds look so close to the water.



I hope you get to experience the wonders of new orleans like I did.



Written by
Sophia Monroe Creach

Just Like Riding A Bike

Sophia had one goal for Spring Break, and she's already accomplished it. Here she is on an early voyage.

Spring?

Last week was not a banner week for us Creaches. It began with Erick getting a stomach virus and ended with Sophia recovering from it. I nearly passed out somewhere in the middle. Good times.

So, this weekend we took it easy but took it outside. I can't remember ever being quite so thrilled to open the windows. To Sophia, spring means poking around. It always has. Evidence. This winter, we've had a lot of fun with ice. I sincerely hope we've had the last of it for quite a while.

It's our first spring with Leo. It would be an understatement to say that he loves it. It would be accurate to say that he would prefer to spend each and every moment outside, but we do what we can. There are so many lovely things to look forward to as the weather warms up.

Our family walks have resumed in the evening. Last night, we watched as ducks flew in by the pair to settle in for the night. It was quite lovely. Leo would probably have a different description, but we all enjoyed it.

Almost Summer

Admittedly, adding Sophia to my blog has been a mixed bag. Part of the reason I blog less often is because she says that she wants to blog about certain things, but she gets too distracted to follow through. I could just go for it, but her posts always add such a great perspective, especially as it relates to things she's doing that I really want to give her the chance to do it.

This is the last week of school for Sophia. It's been a lovely year for both of us. Last night, as I was putting her to bed, Sophia said, "I'm just sad about it because first grade has had such an impact on my life." I kid not. That's what she said. I could say the same thing, I suppose.

Like most parents who are at home full time, I have mixed feelings about summer. Most of me is excited. I truly like spending time with my kid. She's a hoot. However, I've gotten quite attached to my routine. So I'll fill this week with all my favorite activities and look forward to my days with Sophia to come. I do realize how lucky I am. 

Beautiful Weekend

It was such a beautiful spring weekend! Saturday, we were in Columbia visiting Mary. Because the day was so perfect, we had to get out and enjoy nature. We were not the only ones with the idea, but the park is big enough that we weren't tripping over one another anyway.

Sophia loved it! She doesn't remember being there before, but she was happy to lead us on a different trail around the park.

And, even though she was a little anxious about it, she went into the cave at Devil's Icebox. She wanted to explore deeper into the cave. I was very surprised at how much she liked it in there. It was just just a beautiful day!

Spring Break

Last week was Sophia's spring break. It was just what we needed. The first half of break was relaxing. Just one long play date, some projects at home and lots of snuggles and games. The second half was full to bursting with time outside and adventures around St. Louis and down in Springfield/Branson with my parents.

Thursday was spent around St. Louis, at the Magic House and hiking the trails around Laumeier Sculpture Park. That's one of my favorite things to do, and it's a great way to get started on a spring and summer full of outdoor activity.

Friday, we got to go to the Zoo with Casey and Henri. A special treat for any day!! We all had fun, but Henri and Sophia took fun to another level... A crazier, freer level.

Saturday was spent at Silver Dollar City. We haven't been there at non-Christmas time in quite a while. Sophia was thrilled. I think her favorite part of the whole park might have been the Old Homestead area. Here, she got to be a model student.

And she met Cotton, the cutest, fluffiest little horse she's ever met. She was very much in heaven.

Yesterday, when I took Sophia into school, she caressed the wall as we went up the stairs and said, "Oh, I've missed you, old friend." So, while Spring Break is over, the fun apparently continues for Sophia. She does love school.

The Little Things: A Golf Story by Sophia Creach

Hi today I think that I will tell you about  my story of going golfing. Ok first I will tell you about my dad.So he is the kind of guy that he will most likely will do any thing to make you happy, and he will try to help you
24,7.

 So were was I, oh ya! In fact today I tolled my dad to come to the golf  stall because I was going to give him the last 4 balls... But he said "No you can hit them"And I was so thankful for that. See some times it is only the little things that count.

By sophia creach