Battlefield Hike

Right after Christmas, we went on a beautiful hike at the Battlefield. We usually only ever go during the winter in order to avoid the rampant deer tick population, but with all this mild weather we have been having, I was a bit concerned that we may run in to a few!

It was so warm, that even very light long sleeve shirts felt hot! Kateri has been able to do a lot more hiking of late, and she really enjoys her newfound freedom.

Not in the stroller

However, being only two, her legs do occasionally need a break, and so she has devised a way to enjoy the benefits of the stroller without necessitating the straps or the troublesome climbing in/climbing out routine.

She jumps on the front for a quick ride, and then quickly hops off once she is ready to run again. Perfect for her and perfect for parents pushing the stroller!

Sebastian, on the other hand, looks longingly at the freedom his sister is enjoying, but he has to wait until the very end of the hike. Once we get to the boardwalk, he is free to run!

And they're off! 

Quickly distracted by the interesting sites directly off the boardwalk.

What does Kateri see? It must be something really worth looking at!

We of course had to stop every few feet to look at some fascinating leaf or twig, a squirrel scampering up a tree, or a bird flitting through the trees.

It is easy for me to feel frustrated at the meandering and unpredictable paths of a 1.5 year old, and the temptation to scoop him up and continue onwards is always there.

Then again, how can you say no to that face?

Soon Kateri and Pat were far ahead of us, and Sebastian was so thrilled to be able to go at his own pace and look in wonder at all of nature around him. Many people passed us, but soon I noticed an elderly couple who were hiking behind us, and were going at his pace (perhaps just slightly faster), stopping to point out interesting sights, enjoying the warm weather, and taking the time to really drink in the beauty around them. It really struck me how both Sebastian and the couple, of all the many people there, were so happy and content to just drink in all the little aspects of the marsh and woods that so often I ignore! Although we are often called to be efficient, to move quickly and accomplish a lot, it is so necessary (especially for me!) to take a page from these little ones and wise ones, and slow down to appreciate all that God has blessed us with.

He found a walking stick, which soon broke in half

But that didn't mean it lost its purpose! Its purpose just changed.

So thankful for the beautiful nature around us, the warm weather we have been blessed with (though some snow would be nice!) and the lessons of little munchkins!