Hiking Review # 2: Laurel Ridge Trail

Over Memorial Day weekend we drove up to Lake Lanier and did the Laurel Ridge Trail. What a georgous day! The trail was pretty crowded due to the holiday weekend, but we had a great time.

Book Review: The Laurel Ridge Trail explores the bank of the Chattahoochee River, climbs low foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and ventures into coves claimed by Lake Lanier. In the first half mile of the trail there are several long-distance view of Buford Dam and Lower Pool Park.



Length: 3.8 miles



Configuration: Loop



Difficulty: Moderate, although climb out of Chattahoochee River Valley is difficult.



Scenery: River views, lakeshore Buford Dam



Traffic: Moderate



Trail Surface: Packed dirt with cement paths in parks



Hiking Time: 2.5 hours





Our Review: Moderate hike with some hard spots. We would suggest going on a non-holiday weekend...could have done without picnic traffic. Has some great lunch and picture stops. Great weekend workout!

Enjoy the pics!

Down by the Dam

We found a dangerous wild animal!


Best Family Shot!

Snoozer!

So pretty!

Still napping!

We had lunch by the lake...with a sleeping baby in tow

Family shot by the lake

Mommy and CR2

Love to you all!

JP

Hiking Review # 1: Allatoona Pass Trail

A few weeks ago CR and I found a book that we purchased a few years ago tucked away on a shelf in his office. The book is called "60 Hikes Within 60 Miles", and outlines hikes throughout Atlanta and its surrounding areas.

CR and I have always loved to hike, and when you are strapped for cash there is no better weekend activity. CR2 has really loved our family time outdoors! I really want to take him camping soon.

Ready to go!

Our first hike was the Allatoona Pass Trail:

Book Description: Climb to the tops of two mountains separated by a railroad pass to view the site of the last Civil War battle in the Atlanta area. Includes a long scenic lakeshore hike. The pass was built by slaves during the contruction of the Western and Atlantic Railroad.

Length: 3.1 miles

Difficulty: Moderate (we thought it was pretty easy)

Scenery: Allatoona lakeshore, with some excellent long-distance views, deep railroad cut.

Exposure: Full sun to partial shade at the lakeshore, shady near the cut

Traffic: Moderate

Trail Surface: Packed gravel, gravel road, hard dirt

Hiking Time: 2 hours (if you are a granny...took us about an hour)

Our Review: Rich in history with lots of informative signs. Nice for a picnic hike, we took full advantage of a little inlet by the lake. Beautiful scenery!

Lake View

Picnic Time

Hiking Makes CR2 Sleepy!

Hey Mom!

Sooo Pretty!

There will be plenty more reviews and pictures to come. Enjoy!

Love to you all!

JP

It's Time to CELEbrate!!!

Dear Cele,

The Edwards clan would like to wish you a very happy birthday!

You are the Hee to my Haa

The Ja to my Bon

and the pump to my jam!

You are the friend the lord wanted me to have :)

Thank you for your continued support, laughter and friendship through the years!

I laavvva you!

JP

Things That Make me Happy Thursday!

This is what happens when Daddy and CR2 take a trip to Target while Mommy is at work!

1st text received:

"U are under arrest!"

2nd text received:

"CR2 the viking"
Silly boys!

Love to you all!

JP

Wee School

Now that CR2 has entered toddler world, we have decided that exposing him to a school atmosphere is pretty important. Our hope is that he will become well adjusted for pre-school, and meet some buddies!

We have enrolled CR2 in the Wee School program at a local church. He is in a mother's morning out class that meets 1 morning a week from 9:30am - 1:00pm.

The night before his first day I could barely sleep! I have never left CR2 with a stranger and my nerves were RACKED!

CR2 made the first day pretty easy. He was so enamoured with the other kids and new surroundings that he didn't ever cry. When we came to pick him up he was so happy to see us, but even more happy to see his "pop". Why do grandparents always win? Those two are trouble!

The second go around I dropped CR2 off alone. Not so easy. There were tears, and a guilty mom moping to the car. Mrs. Nicole ensured me that he calmed quickly, ate like a big boy, and was pretty good...he did get into the trash though (oops).

Today I added a morning back in the office while CR2 is in school. CR now has the job of Wee School drop off. I received a very sad call from CR this morning and he said "I think we need to trade responsibilities". CR said there were tears and a blood curdling scream :( Man am I glad that I get to pick up instead of drop off!

I am pretty certain that this will be a growing experience for our little man (and CR and I)! I just hope those tears stop soon :(

Here are a few shots of the 1st morning before school.

Can I take my ducks?

Helping mommy pack the bag :)

umm...where are we going?



Riding to school with Elmo




Love to you all!

JP

CR2's Lake Party

What a great weekend!

It is not often that we get the chance to get both sides of the family together. We had a full weekend of swimming, eating, lounging, and laughing!

Thanks to my photographer (Poppins) we got some great shots of the weekend!

Enjoy!

Sweet glasses! Nice job on props Cele!

Just hangin' around

Sleepy Poppins

Wake up Daddy!

Who is this guy? Again...nice props Cele!

"Give me a high five!"

Petey and her Posse :)

Do you think we look related???

The whole crew...minus a few boys who were too cool for the pic

Happy 1st Birthday Charlie...my attempt at an Elmo cake

Yummy!

He really liked the gross black decorating gel??? Strange kid!

Showing Elmo who is boss!

The main event

All Done!

Petey Love

Relaxing at Sunset

Thank you to everyone who helped us Celebrate the wild man's 1st! We love you all and can't wait until our next gathering!

We are truly blessed!

Love to you all!

JP