Better From Above

I suppose this could be yet another perspective piece. Last Monday (MLK Day) we decided that we couldn't stand the dreary, damp fog of Mordor any longer and so we drove 20 minutes south and went hiking up Spencer's Butte. To those of you living where there are "real" mountains, our little Butte will probably seem quite silly. But the view goes on for miles in every direction and allows us to see the distant tops of several volcanic mountains covered year round by snow. 

The physical activity was marvelous and, seen from above, the thick blanket of white fog spreading below us in every direction was actually quite pretty. It was also 20 degrees warmer up on top, where we seemed to have joined everybody (and their dog, quite literally) trying to get enough vitamin D to last through the winter. 

Snacks on the Butte and then plenty of running around on the sunshiny side. A boys paradise: lots of places to climb.

Okay, he might be the cutest thing I've ever seen. I think REI is getting this picture.

And isn't it hilarious when they pretend to not want their picture taken but they are really smiling because they can't help it? 

I love my little ones! I don't have as many pictures from this day of Jedi Knight. My little Trailblazer Boy Scout kept getting way ahead of us. I guess that is what turning 12 is all about! Padawan and the Youngling kept pretty close to momma, however and they needed much encouragement to finish. It is a pretty steep little hike and feet and thighs were giving out by the end. I love reminding them that they can do hard things!