Labor Day Hike

We are extremely lucky to live close to several great hiking places. For Labor Day we decided to go on a hike. It was a success. Nobody whined, and the only person who got carried was Jacob. Of course it was only half a mile!

Rob got some hiking poles for his next overnight hike.

Of course the kids had to try them out.

Here's a picture of the family going along.

Daddy carrying Jacob. 

He loved riding on his shoulders.

Beth on the hike.

Jacob insisted he have a turn with the poles as well.

Originally Rob just handed them to him, 

but he had been observant, 

and he knew that he had to put his hands through the straps. 

Rob was impressed that he knew what to do.

We went partly to help Rob get used to walking with the poles. He commented that he looked like a tool. I didn't think he looked that bad, except for the fact, that he was hiking along while I kept track of three kids who were running around, and I was carrying the bag. And he was concentrating on the poles. That part is why everyone was staring at us.

The next day Caleb wanted to go hiking. In fact he has asked to go every day since. He also has begun to carry the maps around with him. He has quite a collection of maps. He adores maps. He loves to fold and unfold them. He points out where we are going to hike on the hiking maps and he points out the treasure on the pirate maps. If you want to make his whole day, send him a map!