An Adventure Walk in the Woods...sort of

Today was such a lovely fall day it seemed a crime to stay in the house. So, we cut naps a little short and headed into the woods on an Adventure Walk. Add "Adventure" to the beginning of any activity (Adventure Shopping, Adventure Diaper Run, etc.) and the girls get so excited, they'll go anywhere...its awesome. Anyway, off we went - Mom, preschooler, toddler and an infant. Sweet! Really, I hate sitting around the house more than (usually) the hassle of getting us all out of the house and headed in the same direction (its like trying to herd houseflies most days).

So, a lost shoe, a quick potty break, and a wet shirt change later...we were on the way! I located a trail I figured we could handle - one of which did not include 'steep', 'uneven', or 'multiple rock inclines' in the description - got everyone out of the van, sweaters on, Eliza in the sling, and OFF WE GO! Oh wait, forgot the camera. OFF WE GO! Oh wait, "Eden...what are you doing over there?" "Are you pooping?!" Yep! Eliza out of the sling, diaper change, dumpster run, Eliza back in the sling and OFF WE GO! Just kidding - the camera is dead. Drop off the camera, pick up the cellphone and OFF WE GO! Really, for real this time.

Once we got going, and after explaining to Emma that no, we could not stop for a snack 5 feet from the trail head, we were having a great time. Eden just ran. She looked so free and carefree running on ahead. I was happy for her in her 'alone-ness', just being herself far ahead of the rest of us, taking on the trail full-speed.

Emma hung back with me and talked and talked and talked some more...it was nice for a change to actually be able to listen to her ramblings. She's a pretty smart kid, and is really trying to pull everything together in her little four year old mind and make sense of life and the world - she ends almost every statement she makes these days with "right Momma?" Really asking me if things are the way she understands them to be. Its sweet, and I relished the moment to be able to help her understand things. Most of the time, I dont have the time. The only thing that stopped her jabbering was a little snake that crossed her path...after she jumped 5 feet in the air and grabbed onto my leg, she relaxed a little and we watched him beeline for the tall grass. She was pretty excited about it, and we decided that next time we'll bring Daddy with so he can catch it.

Eliza hung in the sling, perfectly happy to peek out at the passing scenery. At one point, she was leaning her head back and talking and cooing to the overhanging trees. At the halfway point, she snuggled in, popped her thumb in her mouth, and promptly fell asleep.

We made it to the end of the trail (for us), and had our snack on a little foot bridge over a creek. We watched a little bird looking for his snack, as he dove at some bugs over the water. Emma gobbled her snack up. Eden decided she wasnt very hungry and left most of hers on the ledge for the hungry bird, deciding that he might enjoy the peanut butter crackers more than a bug.

We headed back to the van with a little more husstle in our steps, because the sun was setting and the mosquitos were looking for their snacks! Other than bug repellent and a charged camera battery, I wouldn't change a thing...I can't wait to go again.