Day 603 -- A Hike in the Woods

We went for a hike today in the trails at the Whitehouse Nature Center, on the campus of Albion College.  Colby and I often run through the trails, and I love to snowshoe there in the winter.  We have many times discussed taking the kids for a hike there.  Today, we decided to go for it.

We packed a couple of backpacks full of snacks and juice boxes, loaded up the bike trailers and headed out.  0.7 miles later, we were at the trail head.

It was a beautiful, cool day.  We found it refreshing to be outside in the crisp air taking in all of the the vibrant colors and sounds.  The kids had a great time climbing trees, splashing in the river (okay, Dharia fell in the river, but it was still fun), finding big sticks to poke things with, and scaring away the surrounding wildlife.  Breslin, naturally, loved finding the numbered trail posts that signify certain species of trees and following them in order.   I think it's safe to say that we'll be back again soon.  I was so thankful for the opportunity to get our kids outside somewhere that is so breathtakingly beautiful only a short ride from our home.

I had visions of our more grown-up kids coming with us on some more substantial hikes.  It will be fun looking back on this day and describing to them their first experience with hiking.




Thank God for a hike in the woods!

Lord, thank you for a chance to be out in the beauty of your creation today.  Thank you for the opportunity to expose our children to your world, to get them fresh air and exercise, and to experience their joy as they encounter things for the first time.  In your name I pray, Amen.

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