When life gets overwhelming… Go take a hike.
I’ve been feeling stressed and overwhelmed, so the obvious answer was to give hiking with my crew a try.
Hiking has always been my favorite way to take a breather, find perspective, forget my troubles… but I gave it up for way too many years.
I think it always seemed daunting, between the drive, and packing (and carrying) supplies, and the worry of kids getting tired or whiny. I have this all or nothing personality, and I forget there is often middle ground. A hike doesn’t need to be 8+ miles of grueling terrain.
This week we started small, with 2.5 miles and mostly flat terrain. We went slowly and explored every little side trail and place that caught our interest.
For a few hours, it was just us and the great outdoors. Just what I needed… what we all needed!
Jonathan walked almost the whole way, saying “WALK like guys!” anytime I offered to carry him. 
Only two children fell into the water… I guess that’s a success. 
And this princess hiked in a skirt. 
I’m glad I warned the kids to watch for snakes, as we found two along the path and on the rocks! The kids are convinced the snakes were water moccasins. I’m doubtful… but I definitely didn’t get close enough to figure it out!
Stressed but blessed. That’s the honest truth.
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