Winter Hike

Cabin fever set in FOR REAL a few days ago.  We have been a little cranky and restless around here over the past few days.  By "we" I mean Reed, Echo, and me.  Especially me.  And by a little cranky I mean super-duper cranky.

I have been a very cranky Mama!  There- I said it.

I get cabin fever so bad in the winter.  Just leaving the house won't cure it.  I need fresh air!  I need to be outside!  GET ME OUTTA HERE!!!

​So before I lost my marbles, we did!

Jacob has been traveling for the past week, so Reed, Echo, and I bundled up and made our way to the Cincinnati Nature Center.  It was a brisk 32 degrees this morning for our little hike.

"Little hike."  Ha!

In my cabin-fevered state, I let Reed pick the trail.  That's right... I let a 4-year-old who can't read maps but does like the color purple pick the trail.  So, he picked the purple trail.

​The "Geology" trail.

Did you know that the purple trail is 2 hours long with a preschooler and a pointer?  Did you know the purple trail goes over a river three times?  In FEBRUARY?!  Did you know that I had to carry Reed over the river three times because my boots are, thankfully, waterproof? 

Did you know the purple trail has a never-ending, giant staircase to heaven?  And did you know that Echo is afraid of staircases?

I didn't know any of those things.

​But I know now!

I almost sat down and cried right there, on that bottom step.

I also found out that Reed thinks crossing the creek with Mama is the funniest thing ever.  Especially when she is laughing hysterically at the crazy situation she has found herself in and tugging a pup along, too.

​I usually make better life choices.

The river was also absolutely beautiful.  Once we were across, of course, we did take a moment to throw rocks and appreciate the waterfalls and river sounds.

And that staircase was one of the coolest, highest things TLO has ever climbed.  I can't image how tall it looked like to him!  When he got to the top, he felt like a million bucks.

Rocky, Rocky, Rocky!

The view from the top was incredible.  Because of the lack of leaves, we could see down to the river, the next hillside, and beyond.  I guess you could say it was worth it.

It was definitely worth it!

The purple trail also has FLOWERS!  Tons and tons of little yellow flowers.  Spring is coming, people!

Taking a little cheese break.

Amidst the river crossings and staircases, we had an excellent and memorable hike.  The cabin fever is definitely gone.  I am ready for a nap!

​  I am so proud of Reed.  Even though I didn't have to encourage him along at all, I had to give myself a pep talk or two along the way.  I had better get in shape for summer to keep up with these two!