Beloved

When Jordan had a long weekend over Columbus Day (have I mentioned how much I love the government schedule? Oh, and thank you, Columbus, for sailing and everything), we made the most of our time. On Monday we packed up some snacks and went to the top of Mt. Hood. The view from the top was beautiful. It was a totally clear and sunny day and we actually got too warm on our first little walk. As you can see, Trey is turning into a serious hiker. Jordan has been telling him he needs to stop bumming rides and start carrying his own weight around here...

So, I do as any other over compensating mother would do...I carry him instead :)

And, Grammy, we saw Mr. Silly Squirrel there. He didn't hike with us, but we did say hi and got as close as he would let us.

Silas is turning into a serious hiker as well. He keeps up with me no problem.

After we left the summit, we descended a little way down the mountain to look for an easy hike that the kids could do. We found Mirror Lake, 3 miles round trip, and figured we'd be able to take turns helping the younger two and be just fine. Jordan offered to put Trey in the ergo and hike with him. It was a nice offer, but I ain't no fool. This is not my first hike with three kids...you gotta play these moves smart. I would much rather take this 20 pound sweet pea on my back (even if he pulls my hair), than the alternative. Stay tuned.

The start of the hike was great fun. We found a huge log bridge to cross...

And a tree for Silas to climb,

And since Jordan will never be outdone by his 5 year old son...he climbed even higher.

After the excitement of the bridge and the tree climb...Jewel started to get a little tired. Jordan carried her on his shoulders for a while. We kept walking. And walking. And then there was a begin of an incline. Then the incline really increased. Then we were huffing and puffing and Jordan was carrying Jewel pretty much the whole time (note: this is why I opted to take Trey). We were still in good spirits, but we were starting to get hungry and we didn't bring any snacks. Then, in the cover of the trees we started to get chilly. It felt like we had been hiking for a while, and there was no sign of a lake around anywhere. Then we came to the switchbacks. At a note-able elevation increase, we starting really hiking. Then Silas started to get tired. It wasn't fair that Jewel was getting carried the whole way and he had to walk. When was it his turn to be carried. Enter Super Dad. Look closely here. Jordan with Jewel on his shoulders and Silas on his hip, legs wrapped around to hang on.

Here's me :) Sweet little Trey, snuggled up to my back, having a little rest. Ahhhhh...family hikes :)

I finally sent Jordan ahead to see how much further we had to go. He sprinted off, leaving me with our three little monkeys, singing songs and walking VERY, VERY slowly. Soon he was back with news of a very close lake!

We dug out our second wind and started jogging. At the top of the hill, we found our treasure. With the sun creating a fantastic glow, we soaked up the clear water, tall trees, warm air and rest for our legs.