When my friend Laura suggested we go hiking with the kids, I jumped at the opportunity. Not only do we love being outdoors, but hanging with friends is the best! I scrambled to get myself and Dutch ready. Diaper bag, check! Camera, check! Sunblock, check! Snacks, check! I am still always amazed at how much stuff we bring along now that were parents. And we’re off. After missing our exit, making a few wrong turns, then passing our destination by a mile we were beginning to wonder if we’d ever make it. I was lucky enough to have a patient toddler that morning. After some navigating we made it to the base of the trail and met with Laura and her daughter Olivia.

We strapped the babies on our backs, cameras around our necks, water hooked to our hips and began trekking through the flat, windy trail. As we walked, we talked about everything we saw from trees, to butterflies, airplanes and bees. The kids chattered back, repeating after us. We passed many fellow hikers, one that was nice enough to stop and offer to take a picture of the four of us. We came to a fork in the road and decided to turn left, beginning the climb. We navigated up the path, weaving back and forth, making a few wrong turns along the way. After about a mile or so we reached the top of a steep climb and could finally spot the prize we were seeking, a field of flowers! By this time the kids were getting hungry and restless. We sat down to rest and eat.

Ok, here comes my amateur photographer moment of the day. Once Dutch was ready to explore, I turned on my camera. Steady, focus, Click… That’s it. One shot. I got one shot before the camera battery died. Here I am, with two super cute kids, in the middle of a field of flowers and my fancy camera is dead!? I will never leave without checking my battery first… lesson learned! Here it is in all it’s glory.

 I then proceeded, with my iPhone, to follow the kids around like paparazzi for the next 30 minutes taking pictures as they picked flowers, pulled weeds and threw rocks.

Laura and I made small talk with two women walking by, they advised us to take a different path down the hill. I’m glad we took their advice, it was a straight shot and took half the time. We sang songs and made small chat. Before we knew it we were down at the bottom of the trail. After a short walk back to the cars, our adventure had come to an end. With all that sunshine and fresh air, Dutch dozed off to sleep in the car, dreaming of butterflies and daisies I suppose.

 What outdoor hiking adventures have you taken with your toddler? Please share with me in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you!

Creatively Yours,

Lindsay