More Hiking

We did it again! We had so much fun Friday that Libby and I took the kids hiking again today. This time we went to Lost Creek Trail in ZigZag, out towards Mt. Hood. This trail was paved and a total .75 mile loop. There were a couple wooden boardwalks and some bridges to look out at the creek. It was a very relaxed hike with three very happy kids.

Cooper was very excited to walk along the creek and get a chance to throw rocks and sticks in the water.

Walking on one of the bridges.

Throwing rocks in the water.

Collecting sticks.

After we walked the paved loop and boardwalks, we meandered to the day use picnic area and walked along the creek another half-mile.

Libby and Emory

View of the creek from the day use area.

Cooper taking a break.

It is so nice to get out and hike. Libby and I have a standing playdate, now on Mondays, and we are going to get out on a hike as long as it's nice outside. We can get all three kids in my car with the two dogs and away we go!
Yay for summer hiking!

Hiking

Libby and I took the kids hiking on a gorgeous day last Friday. We went to Falls Creek Falls in Washington. It turned out that this was the trail I took Cooper on with Holly for his first hike. It also turned out that this was not the greatest hike for three 3 year-olds. The trail was a bit steep in places, lots of uphill and lots of dangerous edges. The dogs running back and forth added another layer of danger by knocking the kids over. We ended up persevering amidst some whining and made it to the waterfall. Once there we snapped some photos, snacked more and then headed back. I traded off carrying Larkin and Cooper until my knee started hurting. We all had a great day and the kids were really proud of themselves.

Cooper and Emory at the beginning of the trail.

Crossing the first bridge.

Stopping for a snack and looking at bugs.

Libby

Crossing the second bridge.

Falls Creek Falls

Yay Larkin!

And now for the comparison photos. Here is Cooper on his very first hike on this trail.

June 2008                                                                                         June 2011

Cooper somewhat cooperating for a picture.