When the Ants Go Marching One by One...

A few weeks ago, while Cesar was extremely busy with work, I decided to take my little family on a hike up the canyon to cool off and to use up some energy. It had been a long week as a single parent, and I needed a bit of a break from the norm. So, we grabbed some subs, and headed up the canyon. At the last minute, I decided to do a hike I haven't done before, that came recommended from a good friend. (Word to the wise...don't do a hike with little kids...by yourself... that you have never done!) Anyhow, so off we went to hike up to Bell's Canyon Reservoir. IT WAS HARD! I seriously almost turned back! It took us over an hour! Rocky, steep terrain with a boy running ahead, totally oblivious and having a grand ol' time! A little girl, crying and complaining LOUDLY the entire way, and falling, stumbling and crying and complaining and crying and complaining and crying and complaining. A baby strapped to my back in my favorite Kelty (everyone needs one of these!). And last, but not least, me in my STUPID FLIP FLOPS!!!! I totally forgot my own footwear! Lauren asked repeatedly if we could turn back and go home, but me, the persevering mother, said, no, that the lake is so beautiful and will be totally worth the journey. I really almost did turn around. I was trying to catch up to Sam to tell him that we were going to start back down, and lo and behold a beautiful lake! It was so calm and still and perfect! We sat and eat our sandwiches and played a bit it the water. Then I was beyond ready to go home. It took us a good hour up and about a half hour home. I am so glad I didn't turn around! But this is what I learned...

1. Don't do any hikes by yourself that you aren't familiar with, especially with little kids.
2. Don't hike in flip flops!
3. Don't fall...it's a long way down! (I was really nervous, but I didn't fall. Sam did, but he was ok, even though he thought he was going to bleed to death.)
4. Come prepared (with extra formula, or a bottle at least!)
5. Hiking is funner singing "when the ants go marching" and making up the words that you can't remember....
6. Hiking really wears out the kids! (easy bed time)
7. Hiking is almost always worth the journey!

Good times, that Bell's Canyon. Maybe I will do it again when I forget how stupid I was and when I have Cesar with me. :) You don't need to remind me about hiking prepared. I know, I know, I know! But, I learned some valuable lessons.