Hazel gets a tricycle

Recently, Hazel acquired a tricycle. She was beyond thrilled to be on her very own set of wheels, since she is usually at the mercy of Mom and Dad and their whims on a bike. Not anymore. Once she learns to pedal, steer, and go further than 5 feet, Hazel will be a force to be reckoned with!

Desert sun

The Barker family has been craving some HOT desert sun, so they headed out to the eastern side of the Gorge this weekend, where trees are few, sun is plentiful, and the temperatures reached in to the 80s. It was also the first trip this spring for Der Kaiserhutte. Everyone was excited to go camping after a winter hiatus, especially Hazel, who promptly shed all of her clothes upon arrival.

On Saturday morning, Hazel made sure to examine every piece of dirt within a 500 meter radius of Der Kaiserhutte and then cover herself in it.

After covering herself in dirt, Hazel directed Mom and Dad on the short hike up to Tom McCall Point. Dad didn't think it was so short- he had to carry the increasingly heavy Hazel up a 1000 ft. elevation gain.

Dad wanted something easier after carrying Hazel on the hike, so everyone in the family loaded up their bikes for a short ride. Except that Dad drew the short end again and ended up pulling Hazel in the bike trailer.

It turned out to be an awesome ride. Everyone got ice cream in the middle and Hazel even dispensed some free advice. Tips were accepted.

Back at camp, Hazel enjoyed a little campfire...

And her first s'more! She was elated at the opportunity to consume so much sugar in one sitting.

Sunday morning arrived and Hazel was all, LET'S GO!

So, everyone packed up and headed to Horsethief Butte for some rock climbing with Ky and Joe, in the hot desert sun, of course.

Hazel offered her comments on rock climbing from the peanut gallery and spent her time covering herself in dirt and jumping off of rocks. The weekend was capped off with a milkshake and a nap during the car ride home. Everyone was tired, dirty, and so so happy to have spent the weekend in the desert.

My mom is the raddest

Lots of bike helmet pictures this weekend, mainly because Hazel is happy to wear her helmet just about anywhere. After her little stitches on the forehead incident, it may not be such a bad idea. Maybe she IS smarter than anyone thought!

Hazel spent a lot of time on the bike this weekend. First, she watched the racers at the Alpenrose Velodrome go around and around in circles FAST!

Then, she got in her seat on Dad's bike for a Saturday afternoon spin.

To cap off her Saturday and take a break from the bike, she attended the Mt. Hood Ski Patrol Awards Banquet, clapping at appropriate moments and spilling food all over her fancy dress.

For Mom's Day, Haze and Mom and Dad went on a food cart tour of Portland, by bike of course. Hazel rode in her trailer this time and thoroughly enjoyed sampling food from various food carts around Portland. She made sure to wear her helmet the ENTIRE time! She also wished Mom a Happy Mother's Day by giving her lots of hugs and telling her that she was the raddest mom ever. Mom commented that Hazel was pretty rad herself.

Guess who came for the weekend?

Hazel is a very popular little kid these days. Her grandparents from Colorado visited and it was time to show them all of the exciting things she's learned to do.
She showed off on the playground and went for lots of walks around the neighborhood.
Yep, Nana and Poppy are pretty big Hazel fans. Come back soon guys

Not quite ready for American Idol

Fun times with Uncle Nate