whew, the hardest hike yet

We took a hike today... we started out a little late, made a few stops on the way and when we finally got to the park, we ate. So, when we decided we were ready to hike, we were actually ready to take a nap. But, we struck out anyway, everyone walking. Eli is so animated when he's outside, he does a great little step/hop that shows everyone how happy he is. He talked all the way down the trail. Eventually, we got him into the child backpack and picked up the pace just a little. Then the fatigue really kicked in and the whining and complaining started. I have to admit that i did just as much whining as the kids. For some reason, it was just too stinking hard to get up the inclines with a baby on my back and the hot sun bearing down on me. (it was in the 60's today). Lance had Titus in a backpack on his back, well, he was in and out and in and out. We kept going even though every ten feet we stopped to evaluate whether or not to turn back and call it a day. Pressing on, we became very thankful for the flat spots, the benches and the rocks along the way to rest on. At the top, the view was unbelievable, it was cooler and we ate the hound out of some cookies! It was all worth it. It took us probably nearly two hours to climb up. It took a total of 35 minutes to come down. Unbelievable! Oh yeah, we met some good samaritans along the way who we talked with briefly and told them we had lost a pacifier along the way. They told us they would look for it and hang it in a tree. So, on the way back down, we were traveling along when Jonah looks up and cackles at the pacifier hanging in the tree! We were thrilled! Also, Jonah is the only one in the bunch who never once complained about the hike and wanting to go home. He may have gotten tired, but he maintained a solid steady attitude all the way to the top! We were so proud of him! I'll try and post some pictures later.