On the trail

We took the opportunity while Nana was visiting to take a break from our typical hectic schedule for a day off. We all slept in (including the boys who didn't get up until almost 8), went hiking, made a trip to Home Depot for some garden supplies, ate lunch out, did some gardening, took a walk and got some ice cream, and generally had a wonderful time together. The boys have been amazing together recently - supportive of each other (Mr. 7 told me that when his brother isn't doing the right thing he tries to encourage him and pray for him), creative (space is not a safe place from these brothers), and generally having a grand time together. it makes such a difference to have such a peaceful household - if you can call our household of 3 wild boys peaceful.

We decided to show Nana our favorite hiking place and headed out to the Panther Cave. As we're standing outside waiting for our brave explorers, Nana pointed out all the poison ivy right in front of me. I knew what poison ivy looks like but really just hadn't been paying attention. We're definitely going to need to be a bit more careful although the fact that neither of the boys have gotten poison ivy is a good sign. Then we hiked up to Wright's Tower for our snack - our favorite place to pause and look over our city while refueling. Unfortunately the tower was locked and surrounding the tower was tons of broken glass I didn't remember from last Sunday. I'm hopeful we're just out earlier in the season this year and within a few weeks it will be cleaned up and the tower open. In fact, I might try to find time to go back with gloves and a broom and dustpan because I want our boys to be able to enjoy the view this summer without worrying about broken bottles. It amazes me to think that someone would really be able just throw their bottle out onto the rocks destroying such a beautiful place.