We recently set out on our first hike as a Hamilton family of four. It was hard to believe, but we hadn't been hiking in nearly two long years. Last year I was pregnant and had no interest in climbing around on the country side. The last time we went hiking, Oliver was small enough to fit in the back pack. The very same back pack that Kellan rode in. You could almost say, this was Oliver's first time hiking, since it was his first time on his own two feet. He LOVED it! His favorite part was jumping around on the rocks. Kellan only lasted about an hour, which was not nearly enough time for Oliver. He was very sad that we weren't off to find another batch of rocks to conquer. The trail we chose was a bit rocky for a three-year old's first time out, so it was slow going. Then, the trail became covered in snow. Our first hike out was more like a nature walk but we loved it all the same. We took the opportunity to teach Oliver about nature including plants that we saw (cactus, poison ivy, sage brush) animals (deer laying on the hill side), animal tracks (coyote and mice) and animal poop (coyote again). We think we're off to a great summer of hiking with our two boys who love to be outside!
While we were loading up Kellan, Oliver was practicing his rock climbing skills in the parking lot.
Keith loading up Kellan for the first time in the back pack.
Kellan was quite happy and was giving a "hi there, hello" wave.
First step onto the path Oliver found a walking stick. It took some effort to convince him that he didn't need it because it was too big and even more effort to convince him that I wasn't going to carry it for him.
Our first family hiking photo, thanks to the timed shutter.
Moments before this photo, Oliver discovered what coyote poop was as he picked it up and threw it like a rock. Uh... Yuk! Keith has always been a fan of determining what animals have been in the area by the poop and tracks. I'm not sure that he has ever been a fan of getting so personal with the research that he picked it up. I guess when you're a three-year old boy, everything is a potential throwing object.
Kellan and Keith on the trail.
Oliver taking on some rocks and telling Mom all about it.
Oliver leading the way.
We stopped for a snack break and I thought it would be a cool picture to have Oliver stand by this rock. He thought it would be cool to climb on it. I'm pretty sure it was a drop off on the other side. I immediately realized my photo op idea was a bad idea. Yikes!
What a great way to kick off a day. We can't wait to get out hiking (or nature walking) again!
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