October 30

Things have been so hectic around here lately that Chris and I have been sorely feeling the lack of time to play as a family. Today we made the decision to skip church and spend time playing together. It was just what we needed.

Chris let me sleep in, and while I slept he fed the kids breakfast and let them play with Play-Doh.

I rarely let them play with Play-Doh, so this was a special treat. 

(Note to Grandmas/myself: their Play-Doh stash is getting stale. Perhaps new Play-Doh would be a good Christmas gift?)

Even Eli (whose face was smeared with chocolate and blueberry from his oatmeal) joined in, though I suspect he might be making that face because he has a piece of Play-Doh in his mouth?

Grandmother gave them a whole stash of cookie cutters, and the kids had so much fun with them!

Rolling.

Rolling.

After I got up and got dressed, we headed out. This hike was much flatter than our last hike, which made for much less complaining from a certain eldest daughter of mine. It was also shorter, closer to home, and led to the river and back. All in all, a great trail!

I even let Eli down so that he could run until he got tired. He was so happy!

Caleb and Daisy had so much fun running off ahead!

Walking with Daddy, who has an empty toddler carrier on his back.

Four hiking duckies.

They found "cute little mushrooms!"

(Yes, Lily is wearing a sequined skirt for a hike in the woods. Doesn't everyone do that?)

Hi, cuties! 

Aren't they sweet?

Yep, Eli is a tree hugger. He gets it from his mommy.

And then I put him up, and he was so sad for approximately 30 seconds. Of course, Chris chose those 30 seconds to snap our picture, but I'm not complaining. This is real life right here!

We made it to the river! It was a steep drop down to the water, so we didn't get close.

 

Caleb did throw a couple sticks in the water, though.

These kids love hiking! Now that they are older, it is a fun activity for all of us!

And then they were off again.

A major tornado blew through this area in 2013, so there were lots of giant fallen trees still around for the kids to play on. 

Look at Lily balancing! 

And then it was time for Lily to go up in our new toddler carrier. Look at how much more supported she is in this carrier! I'm so glad we were able to get it. We may not use it often, but we will fully appreciate it every time we do!