Weekend

"Love is the only gold." Alfred Lord Tennyson

SATURDAY:
We had a great family weekend just doing simple things like playing at the playground Saturday morning and going for a little hike in the afternoon. I'm sorry I didn't bring the camera along. We wanted to keep both of our hands on A&E while hiking since we were walking on a rutty trail that overlooked a little lake. This was the first time we tried this kind of an outing and we decided to use the little harnesses we had bought for A&E. Aidan was very upset on the drive to the park because he doesn't like wearing a car seat/seat belt now - "Noooo, seat belt!! I want it off!!" he howled from the back seat. This is a relatively new development and one we hope ends soon! When we arrived at the park Dan took out the harnesses and Aidan spied the thing and said "Nooo seat belt" to which Dan replied, "It's not a seat belt. It's a vest!" (Two points for Dan and his fast creative thinking!) So, Aidan was willing to put it on, thank goodness. :)

Aidan and Ella "hiked' remarkably well - not a long distance but they were hiking. The "vests" were very helpful in maneuvering the kids away from the edges of the trail while allowing them a sense of independence. They have no idea what it's like to walk over rocks and roots and rutted earth and were moving too fast at times but we could reel them back. They insisted on carrying the little insulated lunch bags that we brought with water and a snack. Aidan carried one and of course, Ella carried the other and they walked up hills and over roots and picked up every little acorn, stick and rock they could put in their pocket but they still wanted to carry the bags. They fell a few times, skinned a knee and a elbow but they didn't really cry. Aidan said... "I fell down" and continued on. They learned how to walk down steep spots on the trail. Dan and I pointed out trees. We stopped for water breaks and threw sticks into the brook - I think that was one of their favorite parts. At one point, I could hear Aidan imitating the sound of the water trickling through the creek as it flowed over some rocks. At another spot we stopped and stood silent to listen to the sound of the breeze in the trees. It was a very enjoyable hike. It was hot - maybe 88 degrees but we walked under the trees. Not too long and not too easy and at the end I was touched by how much fun it had been and how strong, curious and intrepid our toddlers are.