Hiking like big boys

To date, the boys have been on several hikes in their fancy backpacks, but this summer marks the first time that they have hiked all by themselves!  A few weeks ago, we  attempted to go on a family hike with the dogs and both kids, planning all the while to let the boys walk as much as they wanted!  It worked out great, better than I could have hoped actually!  Look at the smiles in the picture above; they pretty much sum it all up!  Both boys were so excited to be walking in the woods and the dogs were elated to be out with their pack!  Brady and Brody loved pointing out things, asking questions, and they took great joy in watching the dogs prance along the trail.  The icing on the cake was that we picked a trail that actually had a small stream so Rocco and Adriane could cool off in some fresh water when they needed it (finding running water is a real challenge here given our drought.).

I expected the boys to be kind of fearless but about 25 minutes in, Brody spotted a 2 inch lizard and that was the end of walking for him!  He decided he did not want walk anywhere where there were lizards (such a funny sentiment for my typically fearless boy).  Each boys spent some time in the packs but they walked a long way up a very steep hill.  We were so impressed that we decided to go on another hike the next weekend.  It was just as fun and just as satisfying.  I am so glad that the boys like doing something that is so family friendly.  There is something so centering about seeing such little boys walking amongst such big trees.  It makes you appreciate nature and all it various wonders. Here's to many more family hikes!