We stopped to look out over a valley. It was cold, and I had to keep Ellie warm with a giant hug. Ellie's favorite thing in this world is a giant hug, and she asks for them hourly. They are one of my favorite things too (giant hugs from Ellie, not just anybody, that is).
Even Abe got a picture with mommy, although he didn't like the hug as much as Ellie (notice how he pulls away from me. When did this happen that my sweet little boy has gotten too old for his mom?)
On Saturday we took the kids hiking to Crabtree Falls, a beautiful hike about an hour south-west of us. We couldn't ask for better weather. Slightly crisp, but warm enough to never be cold. The waterfall was be-uti-ful.
The hike went up the length of the waterfall, and there were many scenic spots where we were able to enjoy the view.
Ellie posing for a picture at the bottom of the falls.
Look at the trees. They are so yellow! Living in Phoenix for the past seven years, I have forgotten how breathtakingly wonderful Fall can be.
The hike had many stairs going upward, which made the terrain very easy to traverse.
Otho (looking way too old to be my son).
The most wonderful family EVER. We took many, many breaks along the way. Ellie's legs were constantly hurting, the kids were endlessly hungry, and there were always rocks and leaves to pick up or explore. Hiking with kids may take longer, but we really enjoyed every step of the way.
Otho had to be bribed with candy to smile for a picture.
One of our favorite spots to play was on this log that ran over a flat part of the falls. After daddy walked across, Riley had to do the same. Riley, on a similar note, had to do everything by herself. No carrying her. Not even holding her hands. She pushed her way up the mountain with a fierce determination that left everyone who passed us laughing at her independence. I constantly hovered over her as we walked near narrow edges, over jagged rocks, and through slick mud. She never fell, and had the time of her life.
Otho informed us he had to balance on something for a wolf badge, and promptly walked across the log by himself.
Abe found a different way around, hopping from boulder to boulder until he reached the other side.
Ellie displaying her perfect ballerina balance.
We only made it halfway to the falls (about a mile up). We weren't too tired, and had more energy in us (despite Ken's decrepit face...he refuses to smile!). But the terrain was more rugged, and Riley was pushing us away so she could walk all on her own. The path was narrow and the edges too close, and we figured it was time to turn back.
Good thing we did, because as soon as we picked Riley up, she fell flat asleep (notice Ken holding her in this picture). So we headed down the mountain, with the hopes to come again because we love love love this hike.
And so we had a beautiful weekend. This picture is for you, Arizona friends...your own slice of Fall to enjoy.
8 comments:
I L-O-V-E these pictures! They are gorgeous! All that color in nature is so foreign to me! It's almost hard to believe that actually exists. I'm glad you guys are enjoying it and soaking it all in.
So this is what fall looks like.... I wish it was sweater weather here. I missed you this week, Laurie's B-day is not the same with out you, and I thought about how cute Ellie would have been in the primary program today. Well all your kids for that matter, but Ellie most because we took over for you in Sunbeams, all though I guess if you were still here, we wouldn't have the calling... but I digress. Oh and they finally found someone to replace Ken in cubscouts, can you believe it? Your hubby is a tough man to replace. Glad to see you all having so much fun. Make sure to let us know when you guys have a free night during your Christmas visit, I know lots of people wanting to see you, maybe we can do a little party while you are here so we don't take too much time away from family stuff.
Gorgeous pics and kids My. I can't believe how big your kids are getting...especially Otho. That is so neat about his baptism...we are getting OLD, huh?!!
What a beautiful day for your family. It is days like those that are my favorites too.
Congrats to Otho and family for the special baptism. I wish we could have been there. It feels weird to have had Tyler and Otho on the same road together, and then not to have been there on your special day. It is amazing to see our boys growning so big.
I'm proud of you Otho! You are a great kid!
Wow, great photos and story of your family hike. Darling family the children are really growing so fast! Otho looks so grown up, that baptism really worked to mature him!
Maybe if you tickle Ken, he will smile!
Cute pictures. We have the same beautiful fall colors around us and we cannot get enough! It is so beautiful. Your kids look so grown up. We miss you guys. And your Halloween parties :)
Ahhhhh... Fall. Thanks for the pics, My. I'm so glad you are loving life in VA. I'm even more glad that you'll post pics like this so I know what you're up to, so I can see your pretty face, and be more than a little jealous of your crisp air and Fall color.
My word, I miss you! But when I see pics like this, I can understand why you had to leave me. (What I wouldn't give for some yellow leaves right about now. Honestly!)
Myra, I am so jealous. Your pics are beautiful and so is your family!! Congrats on Otho's baptism, too. How exciting. Now that the weather is finally nice we take lots of walk and go by your house. My kids still don't believe that your not there and are upset that I don't let them knock on your door. We miss you! Glad you guys are having such a great time. And thank you for enjoying fall for all of us!
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