Family Hike

Monday was hot.  We were in the pool.  I looked ahead to the forecast for today, and didn't believe it could be 65, cold, and rainy.  For once, the forecast was correct.  I couldn't think of a better thing to do on a day like today than go for a family hike.  So, that's what we did!  Check off one for the summer bucket list!

These two sisters absolutely melted my heart.  I was wishing I had a tape recorder to capture all they said. 

 To begin with, they decided they were going to be best buddies.  I tried to encourage them by saying I would hold their hands and pull them up, but they wanted to do it themselves and pull each other up.  Precious, precious.

Biggest sister can usually set the tone for how things are going to be with the next biggest sister.  I am so thankful when she chooses the encouraging route!  I don't think I was suppose to be listening, but here is some of what I heard:  "Slow and steady wins the race.  We can do it together... we just need to stay on the path that God has for us, just like in life.  Keep focused on that tree over yonder, (Yes she really said over yonder!)  If we focus on what is ahead and keep pressing on we can finish this race strong!"

Then it occurred to me: the last verses we studied in school were Phil 3:13 - 14: 

"¹³ Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Coincidence?  Oh, what joy to hear Allison remind Natalie of this verse, and to hear Natalie encourage Allison, as well.  

Meanwhile, the boy and I trudged on ahead, and stopped when we were told to wait...

And, these three stayed mostly ahead, occasionally waiting for us to catch-up.

As we got nearer to the top, it began to rain pretty hard for about 5 minutes.  It was cold.  The girls needed a bit more encouraging, but still impressed me with their eagerness to work hard.  The exciting part was, we were beginning to walk "in the clouds."  That was all the motivation they needed.  They were so excited to be in the clouds!

Most of my pictures from the top didn't turn out, as I had my old little camera and it was pretty dark under the trees.  At least we got one family shot that sort of turned out!  We sat in a dry log and had some snacks, while Triscuit got about as wet and muddy as he could!  Then we headed down.  The rain and mist were finally gone, and we enjoyed a leisurely walk back down.  I told Daniel I wish I could start every day like this!

Last time we went hiking, I bribed encouraged the girls with frozen yogurt.  This time I didn't need any bribing; but, I couldn't resist offering some hot chocolate to warm us up when we got home!

We also finished the day off with a craft; rock painting.  There are SO many rocks on this hike, but of course they had to choose one a half a mile back; ha!  It was a great way to end our cozy. chilly day!