Afternoon Hike

Last Sunday, a dear friend from Sweden came for a visit. I picked her up Sunday morning, we packed a picnic lunch, picked up some friends, and drove up to the monument for an afternoon outdoors.

After eating, we headed out on the trail with the kids.



Pausing to look at the view before the trail started



Katarina

 The kids hit the trail with great enthusiasm. They loved running, climbing, and exploring the trail.

K climbing up a fallen tree branch



H finding a "treasure"



"Look what I found, Mom!"



K and her friend

The four kiddos found a little overhang carved out in the rocks



Katarina volunteered to carry all the water bottles.

This trail was short enough to keep the kids' excitement from waning, yet it still offered magnificent views. Plus, it was level, which made it easier on this pregnant momma.

One of the views

The kids loved climbing around the rocks

H holding a tissue to his hurt knee.

A face carved out in one of the rocks

Can you find AJ?

Sweet boy

 Another view

We all enjoyed ourselves thoroughly, and I look forward to future hikes. I did appreciate the extra sets of eyes on the trail, and I believe I will need the help in any upcoming ventures. With the winding trail coming quite close to the edge, the ratio of three adults to four children was much-appreciated.