Nolde

Last Saturday we decided to do something that we used to spend a lot of time doing, hiking and exploring the great outdoors.   We dusted off the Baby-jogger from my running days and got out the back pack carrier and loaded up the bug spray (DONT need west nile virus) and some water and headed out.
We went to a fairly local state forest that we drive by often, but never went to.  Part of our hike was nice and flat, along a creek, but then we went up and up and up!  A challenge with the jogging stroller in some parts, but I guess Timothy didn't mind as he fell asleep.  Jeremiah tried carrying Luke on his back, but only made it about a half mile before Joel had to take over. 
I saved everyone's life by chosing a different trail than what Joel suggested.  The one he wanted would have had us on a miles long uphill climb with no side trail.  We would have been stuck in the horrible thunderstorm that came through a bit later, not to mention the no fun factor of being lost with eight kids on a trail.  Yay for Mommy and her great sense of direction and my ability to keep my bearings (usually). 
After hiking we allowed the children to enjoy playing in this little creek (the one we hiked along) and they had a great time.  Joel found a water snake.  Timothy and I kept watch on Luke and Asher splashing away while the bigger ones explored up stream a bit. 
A nice family day.