Happy 5th Birthday Jacob

My little one had a fun party at home yesterday to celebrate his 5th birthday! His actual birthday is the 12th, but this year that is Easter AND I'm working this whole weekend. So we improvised!

He requested hotdogs for dinner, and a strawberry cake. I made him a 2 layer strawberry cake with preserves in the middle, and homemade cream cheese frosting. Yum!

He got some fun toys, an alarm clock (for when he starts kindergarten next school year!), and I also ordered him a big boy bed--but that won't be in until later next week.

Nick also set him up with his own computer station since we are doing school at home these days!!

Check back soon for Easter pics!

Hiking NY: Chimney Bluffs State Park

Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day so me and my hiking buddy broke out of isolation to try a new trail just on the other side of Rochester! (Yes we maintained social distancing there!) There are some short but scenic trails around the park.

At the trailhead there was a sign saying the Bluff trail was under construction and to take a detour. The detour ended up being the East West trail (which we had planned on taking anyways) so we took that east--very muddy--and connected to the Drumlin Trail. On that trail we headed north and ran into the Bluff trail and some amazing views!

There was no signage there about the trail construction so we turned west onto the Bluff trail and followed it along the cliff edge.

We got all the way to the end of the trail where it connects back to a paved main path and a picnic area, and THERE was a short fence indicating the trail was closed....and it had been bent down for others to walk over. Someone did not think this through! I have no idea why there was no blockade at the opposite end, and there was no evidence of " construction" going on. I am assuming it was just seasonally closed. Anywho we were at the end on the wrong side, so we crossed over!

We checked out another short trail to another scenic point on the Lake, then headed back to our car for a snack and the drive home.

It was nice to get out in the sunshine and fresh air. I'm looking forward to our next adventure!

Hiking NY: A Section of the Finger Lakes Trail at Letchworth

Yesterday Bradley and I took advantage of a warmer day and headed south to Letchworth Gorge to hike a portion of the Finger Lakes Trail. We have hiked the SW side of the gorge where the popular waterfalls are in the state park, but I had not been to the eastern side which is less traveled.

We parked at the Hogsback Overlook and hit the trail! We did pass a couple other people out, but otherwise it was very quiet and serene.

It had rained the night before, so parts of the trail were pretty muddy. We did have a few small creeks and ravines to pass over as well.

We came across a few amazing views of the gorge! Breathtaking.

My GPS recorder killed my battery, so I lost track of mileage at around 1.7 miles in. I estimate we hiked about 4.5 miles and made it to a lean to just by the powerlines. We took a much needed snack break, then turned around and headed back! After a long winter inside with not much activity, our legs were really feeling the burn!

We were happy to be back to the car, and felt satisfied with our accomplishment. And Brad did great for the distance we covered! Can't wait till the next hike. This one will be a great trail to backpack as well!

Staying Busy

We've been keeping ourselves occupied here at the Pierce house! One thing I have been doing is saving the heels from loaves of bread. I've been stashing them in the freezer until I had enough, then I chopped them up and tossed with oil and spices. I baked them in the oven and voila! Homemade croutons. Delish!

I also used some of my dried herbs to make teabags for a friend! I love a good cup of herbal tea.

We had a beautiful day last week that was sunny and in the 60s! I took full advantage and we all went outside. Jacob played in his car, Brad rode ride his bike, I pruned my fruit trees and rose garden...and Cinnabun got to go outside for her first time! We recently got her a pen and she didn't know what to think! After a bit she realized she could eat the grass, then she was a fan.

I'm taking the next step in gardening--Starting my own seeds! I bought a grow light and started some seeds recently. A few had already sprouted, so I transplanted those today and moved them into larger containers under the light. Grow baby grow! If things go well, I'll end up getting a second light.

Since the kids are home for awhile thanks to the plague....we are keeping them busy with homework and educational things to occupy and enrich. If the weather perks up, I'll be taking them out hiking somewhere for "PE"!