Putting the Happy Back in Camper

We were out celebrating my last week of maternity leave with a camping trip up the North Shore!


The Filby Williams Clan


Mama and Jasper hanging out by the fire. He was very captivated by the flames.


Jasper helping Papa read the map at our lunch stop on the Superior Hiking Trail.


Something about this makes me think of my brother singing "Ring of Fire" in kareoke.


Hard to tell who's happier...

Jim said that in all his years of backpacking, this was the best pack he has carried yet.

Camping

Jasper had his first experience camping this week! He and I camped with many other mamas at a three day women's gathering on the south shore of Lake Superior. He enjoyed it so much we are heading out this week as well with Papa this time too! Here are some pictures of our adventures...

Jasper (right) made a new friend Noah (left).

Keely and Leif

Max and Anja enjoying apples

Jasper is learning to sit

And then back at home...

Jasper happy after a bath

Jasper and Bear are getting so close...

5 month Turtle Pic

Jasper Olympics

Jasper has been competing in his own version of the Olympics the past few weeks...


Swimming at the Lake


Toe Sucking (this may bring into question whether Jasper is really my son...)


Reading with Papa


Exersaucering


Carrot Gumming


Bear Chasing (Thanks to Nana and Pop for the turtle sleeper he's wearing for this event!)

He does quite well in all events! I'm thinking he'll medal in each- with maybe a gold in the all-around!

Other notable recent events...

My parents celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary! Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Animal Allies celebrated the groundbreaking for the new shelter! Jim (along with many others) has worked really hard to make this a reality. We are so proud!

Happy Friday!

Jasper has been laughing more and more. Last night he thought it was hysterical when Bear and Blimey were chasing each other around the yard - he laughed and laughed. I didn't get that on video but did catch this today...

Jumping Jasper

Jasper had his first go in a Johnny Jumper this weekend! Apparently this was Jim's favorite activity at this age. Jasper was quite happy in it, though he was happy to just stand in it rather than actually jump. I'm sure he'll get the hang of it soon enough! Other favorite activities this week include playing with his feet and sticking out his tongue.

Happy in the Jumper


This picture should have been in last week's post... Jasper is getting close to being able to sit, but mostly falls forward like this...


Big excitement in Duluth this week- the tall ships were here! They were actually pretty cool- in a pirate kind of way.


The Pride of Maryland (foreground) and the Pride of Baltimore II (background)