Four Lakes Basin

Farewell summer...
welcome winter!!!
Did I miss something?!

Bevan has been wanting to do this short backpacking trip for months, so we finally set aside a weekend to get out there. Did I mention before how I love living 10 minutes from the Mirror Lake Highway? Well, I do, for these reasons: gorgeous mountains, alpine lakes, and a national parks pass that's also valid on this particular highway. I admit I got a little "weather worry". I was watching the radar all Thursday morning and when I finally got ahold of Bevan at work, this is how it went:

"It's snowing at the base of Mt. Agassiz"
"You're not wimping out on me, are you?"

He had a point. The 2 of us have been living and thriving here in snowland for the last 3 1/2 years. We actually like the snow! Why was I so reluctant to have it here again? I had no good reason... so we went.

SO GLAD WE DID! It was so beautiful! and a lot easier hike than I thought. By that time, it was sunny and dry. We took our time and made it out to Four Lakes Basin before it got dark. It wasn't even that cold! Little did I know that the front had NOT come through yet. We had a fun surprise the next morning: a whole INCH of fresh snow! Of course it was mostly melted by 11 AM. It was still a little chilly, but we packed our winter gear and stayed toasty the whole time, even while sleeping.

Friday was spent wandering around to the 4 lakes: Dayne, Dale, Dean, and Jean
Bevan's objective: hook the next big one!
Donna's objective: find that next big, flat rock and soak up the sun like a giant, white lizard.

We both had success! Alpine lakes don't produce gigantic fish, but he caught some nice ones (threw them all back of course). I took it easy and gave encouragement when needed.

We hiked out first thing Saturday morning. After all, it was game day and that will always trump fishing in paradise. Right before we got to the car, the temperature had warmed up dramatically and we passed several groups hiking in wearing shorts and t-shirts. I didn't mind. It was beautiful, peaceful, and a great way to spend a weekend.

Jean and Dean Lakes
We can do this!!! Good morning sunshine!

A winter wonderland

Bevan's heaven!

The big white lizard!

Observations of a first-time preggy...

It just hit me the other day that I only have about 11 weeks left until "Buttercup" is fully cooked!

I started to panic.

At my last appointment, my doctor said that it's almost time for me to come in every 2 weeks.

I panicked a little more.

We've signed up for birthing classes where you get to get to learn about birthing, I guess. I told Bevan they show a lot of grisly pictures and...

HE started to panic.

Of all the looking around I've done on the line to research strollers, joggers, maternity clothes, diapers, baby stuff, etc. Guess what I've purchased so far...

Nothing, nada, zilch!

I always figured I had plenty of time. I know I need to get some items sooner or later, but because kiddo isn't here yet, it hasn't been a reality.

I do feel good about some accomplishments:

1. We've been pre-approved to buy a real nest (whether it happens or not is still TBD)

2. My friend Kim gave me 3 little girl shirts (baby is now clothed!)

3. I've learned a lot of new medical terminology such as "glucose tolerance", "Chinese Gender Calendar", and "40-B".

4. Clients have been so much more nice to me this season! Instead of them complaining how a plant should've been moved 2 feet to the right, they tell me not to worry about it; it's fine where it is. Then they offer me water! WOW!

5. Pregnancy in general has been pretty easy so far. I've really been blessed. I've tested good on everything and she's growing at a normal rate. Her motor skills have evolved from little kicks to full-out dance moves like "the worm" and "the can-can".

I can't wait to see what the next 11 weeks bring. Our lives could be changing more than we expect. Everything will sort out like it should, I have total faith it will. Until then I'll keep enjoying getting surprised looks at church from ladies asking, "I didn't know you were pregnant?!"