The Georges 'Take A Hike'.

Lately Matt and I have been feeling a little cooped up... no longer making it to the gym, our waistlines are starting to reflect that we have a new priority. So last weekend, Matt suggested that we try a short hike. One of the advantages of living in the Pacific Northwest is that there are a multitude of hikes to choose from within a short a distance of our house.

We thought for our first nature adventure, we'd check out St. Edwards' State Park. Julianna rode with Daddy in her carrier sling and we ventured down through the woods until we came to Lake Washington where we decided to rest and enjoy lunch.

Julianna is such a big girl that she was able to sit in the grass on a little blanket we brought for her and eat Cheerios while we enjoyed a Subway sandwich. She even nibbled on a few small pieces of turkey and some honey oat bread. As you can see above, we weren't the only ones who had this idea, but the other families made for good lunchtime entertainment.

Then we were off for the second half of our hike which was a bit more secluded. The cool air, the wind in the trees, the jostling of a slightly rough trail made good conditions for a nap, and Julianna is never one to pass up that kind of opportunity!
This time away from work and homework and his Blackberry seemed to do Daddy good too. He snuck a few kisses atop her sweet head and wrapped his arms around her even though she was secure and snuggly in her pack. And along the way he looked back at me and said, "I love her so much". This new life has brought us so much purpose and meaning and it fills us to the brim.