Today is Thursday and for the vast majority of Thursdays since Natalie was two months old, that means hiking for us. Natalie's first hiking outing was on a chilly January weekend. Her Dada and I decided to go to Elfin Forest which was one of our favorite hiking finds around our area. Natalie was all bundled up in her only outfit that had mittens attached to her sleeves. She also wore a Hannah Anderson hood-style cap that reminded me of Snoopy as the pilot in the peanuts cartoons. My husband wore his tiny baby in the bjorn all the way up and down the mountain. Our little tiny Natalie just bounced along and slept happily on Dada's chest for the entire trek. When we reached the peak, I had to feed Natalie since little ones eat so often. It was a beautiful day and the view was incredible. I think both my husband and I were relieved to find that yes, we could still hike with a child.
Tons of hikes later (and quite a few bjorns and strollers later), here I am today still hiking with my Natalie but now also with little Noelle. I have upgraded to a new double decker stroller to fit our needs. I have become the captain of a hiking playgroup over the last two years. First I brought friends informally through other playgroups and now I have my own. Things have changed over time. It is not as easy to hike with the babies now that they run, jump, and tantrum. Some members have moved away, taken day jobs, or found other things to fill their Thursdays. Some of them would like to come but their toddlers don't share the same desires. All these things have resulted in hikes that occur only monthly instead of weekly. While it is sad that the hikes are less often, this opens doors for new activities and opportunities while still getting our hiking fix occasionally.
Today we are hiking at Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. We have four Mamas, two little boys, and two little girls. I am thrilled to have the company and the adventure. We set out with our jogging strollers, sippy cups, snack traps, diapers, and all the rest. The air is filled with bird songs, the wind, Mama conversation, and the occasional toddler demands. About a mile and a half in, we reach the waterfalls. Pictures are taken and children are fed. On the way back the kids are released from their joggers and allowed to explore the trail within close sight of the Mamas. Natalie attempts of run miles away on a couple occasions which results in me yelling after her to come back. She doesn't, and I have to sprint after her as she cackles with glee. Eventually after watching her friend Emberlynn, she begins to understand how the other children stick nearby. We play a game of red light green light to reinforce the concept of listening to Mama. It is somewhat successful! Maybe next time Natalie will stay close by..or maybe not. Noelle rides in the back seat of my jogger and stares out at the canyon grasses. At the ripe age of 5 months, she is already becoming a hiking veteran.
My husband and I dream about days ahead that include tents, campfires, and child size walking sticks. We buy board books about nature and hope that we are raising children that appreciate our natural world. My husband has already helped Natalie to notice the trees (do they have leaves or needles?) and she also has a good understanding of animals and their sounds. I am excited about scouting programs, 4H, summer camp trips, and school science projects. Some day our family will all walk a trail together and make it to some high peak. Until then, I am happy to push my little ones down the path for as long as they need me to. On the way home Noelle falls into another blissful sleep. I ask Natalie "Did you have fun on the hike?" Her answer is music to my ears. She smiles and replies "Yeah."
