Take a Hike!

Wow - a friend pointed out this morning that I haven't updated the blog since EASTER! Now that's bad! In all fairness to this little endeavor I started way back when, I think I'm going to officially begin to wrap this up. I was debating making this my last entry, but with the holidays coming up and a birthday close behind, I am going to keep it going until February. I put my heart and soul into this in the beginning, but as the time has gone by, I've poured my heart and soul into three little wonders who fill our days with so much excitement that there is little time left for reflection! I wish I had the time to keep you all up to date with all the funny things they say and do, but the reality is, by the time I go to bed at night, I'm too exhausted to remember it all!

The kids are finally old enough to start joining us on some outdoor adventures! We weren't too sure if they would enjoy hiking as much as we do, but we figured it was worth a try! Well, much to our amusement, they loved it! And just in case you're wondering, I haven't fizzled out before hitting the top yet! Here's a picture of them by their first trail head!




















Here are some more random hiking photos! We knew Elli and Tyler would do great since they are SO darn coordinated, but we were a little concerned about Haley falling and not enjoying herself. Well, she fell 4 times in the first 100 yards. And each time, in her sweetest little girl voice, she said, "I'm okaaaay", hopped up, brushed the dirt off her knees and hands, and kept on trekking! We were so proud of her! So while Elli and Tyler prefer trail running, she prefers a nice, slow pace, which is perfectly fine with me!

"I'M OKAAAAY!!!"





























































































"WAIT UP, ELLI!!"




















Sometimes life gives you moments of clarity, and for me, they mostly come when I'm outside, sweating and gasping for breath! Jeff and I had the opportunity to do some hiking this summer in Oregon around Mt. Hood. Talk about clarity...it doesn't get much more clear than this! I'm excited to share this with the kids when they get older! I'm pretty sure a video game never brought anyone closer to God or family. This stuff sure does...