Little Tyke Hikes

We didn't go on vacation to sit indoors and watch television, so we donned an extra layer of clothing and made an excursion to the State Park and took a hike. We have been to this park numerous times and love walking along the lake trail. The kids' sense of adventure was piqued as they enjoyed their new found freedom, independent of the usual vehicular traffic our walks encounter. We gave them some latitude to explore provided they stayed clear of drop offs and water bodies. They giggled, laughed and screamed as they romped ahead of us on the trail, stopping regularly to investigate interesting sticks, rocks, and articles of discarded trash. Uncles Phillip and Russell helped by keeping an extra set of eyes on our little explorers.

We were impressed by the kids' stamina as they hiked along with us. It's a two mile hike around the lake and while Justin occasionally asked to be held, Norah walked the entire way! Once finished we sat down for a picnic lunch and let the kids play on the playground,which they thoroughly enjoyed.

Back at the cabin we got dinner started on the grill and sat outside on the deck. A couple inches of eroded sand sat at the bottom of the staircase, so Norah and Justin acquired the fireplace implements and a kitchen spoon, now missing in action, and began a very entertaining excavation. Several disagreements erupted concerning the rightful ownership of these incredible digging tools, but tempers were calmed eventually and everyone enjoyed a few relaxing moments under the pine trees.