A Hiking We Do Go

Last summer, Elliana and I began hiking with T.J. to help him prepare for his 40-mile adventure on the Appalachian Trail later that year. What began as a conditioning program for T.J., has morphed into a fun, adventurous hobby we can all enjoy as a family.

We began incorporating hiking on vacations, during the weekdays, and almost any time that we could find. And when we couldn't find the time, we began making time for our hikes.

Notice the baby on my back, high above the mountain, amidst the clouds

Daddy and Elliana - Gatlinburg 2010

We have all grown over the past year. Elliana, more physically than T.J. & I, but we have grown as well.

How a princess hikes: in a dress, headband and parent required pants and boots.

Our family

We have learned to embrace the sunny days, hit the trail and grow together as a family. We have learned to take time to skip rocks, inspect roly-poly bugs and pick wildflowers. We have learned to be a bit more laid back, learned to be okay with getting dirty and have even managed to teach our girly girl to jump in puddles.

Photo taken my Elliana. Steadied by Daddy.

A Beary Good Time

Our baby did it! Dry underwear for 14 days and still counting. And, as promised we took our big girl out for a big girl reward. And that reward was the famous Build-A-Bear.

We had been in the store a few times before, to hype it up and make the actual experience that much more exciting. But, once the day came to actually build the bear...the choices were overwhelming.

Elliana chose a white bear and quickly held it close to her heart. I actually wondered if she would be willing to let it get stuffed she held it so tightly.

Our baby eagerly watched in anticipation as she helped the employee stuff her bear with the foot pedal.

And she helped Daddy wash her in the bathtub and comb her hair.

I am so proud of my little girl and the big accomplishments she continues to make. I can't wait to see what she will accomplish next!