Hiking! We woke up Saturday morning with no plans and within a half hour decided to get out and go to Turkey Run State Park to walk the sandstone ravines. The boys were a little hesitant because our last hiking trip was a boring walk in the woods that kept them from playing at the play ground. After convincing them that they would get to splash in water and climb rocks on the trails they were ready to go. 

Our plan was to hike the most exciting trails that would take us through the rocky ravines, down ladders and through an intermittent stream. We wanted to take our time to let the boys explore as much as they could. We went prepared with extra clothes, shoes and towels. We were ready for whatever happened. 

Within minutes of being on the trail Emerson jumped over part of the stream only to land in the mud on the other side and splashed another hikers legs. That hiker was a little frustrated and looked around for someone to support her feelings but couldn’t find anyone. My heart started racing because I did not want any type of confrontation. Emerson looked at her said sorry and hurried past while I made myself small to get past her and catch him. 

Somewhere around the half way point of our hike Rhys was beginning to be over it. He loves being outside but when he is done he best have a place to rest for however long he wants. We became constant motivators at that point and our carrot, a car show, was losing its luster. 

About the same time we were losing Rhys’ interest, Elle started squawking. She was hungry. I was thankful that this pit stop didn’t do anything but slow us down for the time it took to feed her. Once she was back and cozy in the carrier she was asleep. Hiking with babies is pretty easy. 

We made it through our hike with little frustration from trying to keep the boys from running and jumping on the slick rocks as well as motivated to keep going.  Even though we wanted exploration and play to happen it is hard when we are hiking in conditions that could be dangerous. Plus, guiding the boys to be conscious of the other hikers on an incredibly crowded trail that bottle necks a lot, can be stressful. 

To our surprise the park was hosting a car show. We told the boys we would go to the car show after we went for a hike because they love all things cars and we knew it would help keep them moving through the trails. What we didn’t know was that grandma and grandpa drove their hotrod down for the show. Somehow our timing aligned and we ran into to them when we were heading to the trails while they were checking out the nature center. The boys were beyond thrilled. 

After checking out some cars and sitting inside grandpa’s car, we all headed our separate ways. The boys were a little sad because they really wanted to go spend the night at grandma’s. After some convincing that we are heading there in a few days and the promise of pizza they made their way back to our car to drive through the country to return home.