Fun on a Saturday

We have always been outdoorsy folks, and this Saturday we were thrilled to discover that there are miles and miles of cool hikes just 10 minutes from our house! So we packed up the kids and snacks, and headed out for an adventure.

Stryder got to ride along with Dad.

We outfitted both the kids with a 'Goodie Bag;' A little burlap shoulder bag for them to collect fun things they found on the hike.

Abby was excited to find these 'treasures' right by our car.

And we're off! Yes, that is a sign that warns about Mountain Lions in the area. In the instructions on what to do if you see one it says, "If Attacked, Fight Back!" Great...

Here is the start of the hike. It literally started right in someone's backyard in a nearby cul-de-sac. Amazing!

Although he complained he wasn't allowed to walk the whole time (we did want to eventually FINISH the hike), I think Stryder enjoyed his bird's eye view and endless supply of snacks.

Abby was nice enough to take a moment to pose for mom.

Abby kept lagging behind for the first part of the hike to draw stick figures. Then we told her that the Mountain Lions like to eat the last person who stays behind their group...

She didn't have a problem keeping up after that :)

A little further into the hike, the trail really gets beautiful and there were lots of places for the kids to explore.

They climbed some rocks...

looked around the trees...

discovered new plants...

blazed their own trails...

and even picked a flower or two for Mom. Awww! Melts my heart.

Everyone went home with a stick and fun 'nature' finds in their bags. All in all, a very fun short little hike around the corner!