Friday, September 9, 2011

mission trails

We piled into our cars and went hiking with my brother's family last weekend. It was roasting hot, but we decided to go for it anyway. Sometimes you just have to put discomfort aside for adventure.

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We arrived at Mission Hills Trails and began in their gorgeous Information Center.

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After letting the kids play in the outside amphitheater area, we headed out on the trails.

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We became acutely aware of our paranoid parental advise after warning the children of mountain lions, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and jagged rocks which are waiting to stumble little running feet.

The kids stopped to observe the things that we adults deem too common to see beauty and wonder in. Kids have an insane ability to see the uncommon in the common.

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We took stops to cool off in the canopy of branches and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding us.

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Jack "read" the signs.

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Luke hunted for lizards. He could do this all day long.

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As the rest of us were preparing to hike back up the hill, we turned around to find Charlie fishing. He was in his element.

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Each boy is so unique. I love that about them. Oh how I wish that as a parent, I could stop and appreciate those differences more often.

Much love,
Katie
*Turns out our paranoid advice was not so paranoid after all. 4 days after our hike, a jogger's body was found with evidence of a rattlesnake bite. Perhaps we'll wait until winter for our next hike.
*Linking up with Casey.

16 comments:

Kellee the Caffeinated said...

I have taken my dog Hunter there numerous times for hiking adventures and never ever been in the center. It looks beautiful =)

grey rose (they/them) said...

this place looks so amazing! a perfect family day. LOVE how charlie stopped to fish. also love that the rattlesnakes didn't choose you to bite! yikes! xo

Erin said...

Looks like something we'll have to do sometime...when we're really up for an adventure!

Kristy said...

How fun!! These pics are Beautiful!!

Rebecca said...

Wow! Glad y'all are okay!
That 'common' pic of the boy holding the lizard was pretty cool! ;)
Happy Friday to you!

Heather @ Finding Beauty in the Ordinary said...

Love this post :) My hubby and I lived across the street from Mission Trails for almost 3 years... we used to hike there all the time. Small world, girl! xo

Marie said...

lovely adventure!

so glad none of you weren't rattlesnake food:)

Marie said...

ugh!!

i meant...so glad that none of you were rattlesnake food.

or maybe...so glad that you weren't rattlesnake food.

whatev.
sorry:) i'm getting tired!

Rachael said...

Looks like a blast, but I must say I would have been a little nervous with the rattle snakes and mountain lions.

Susan said...

You are far more adventurous than I - looks so beautiful. Great shots.
xo

Flor said...

I have to admit that I get nervous taking hikes because I start imagining scary creatures jumping out at me. But it sure looks like you guys had alot of fun (especially the kids).
I love that fishing picture!:)

Karen said...

That place looks amazing!! We'll have to check it out but maybe not... kinda freaked out about rattlesnakes.

TDM Wendy said...

Cutest lizard I have ever seen. And I have seen a lot of lizards in my day.

Stephanie said...

Y'alls hike looks like it was a blast! Fun stuff :)

Heather @ we.are.the.holdens said...

Awww, i love how Charlie was caught justa fishin'. So great you were able to do this with family. Once again, your angles & pics are great!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous pictures!! It looks like the boys were definitely loving the great outdoors. I can't wait until my little ones are older and we can do things like this without lugging a stroller around. :0)

So sad about the body found. :0(