Hiking at Hanging Rock

Our friends Paul (Julia's Godfather) and his wife Cathy came to visit with their son of four months Aidan from Thursday-Saturday. It was so nice to spend time with them and catch up. Little Aidan was the sweetest little one. I couldn't help myself, I held him, fed him, rocked him, tickled him, and talked baby talk with him. I did not, however, change his diaper, a nice change from having three of your own. It was pure heaven.
We woke up Saturday morning and after a hearty breakfast, headed up to Hanging Rock State Park to do some hiking. To preface this, Julia had gotten the coolest birthday gift from them in May, that included; hiking shoes, quick dry shorts and shirt, a camel pac, and a book of NC hiking trails. All of this plus a promise to take her hiking in July. Needless to say everyone seemed excited to go. We all piled in the car and an hour later we were there getting our gear on ready for a two mile hike (that's round trip). It was so much fun, Liam was a natural, he is so curious anyway so he just seemed to be in his element. As soon as we were there he had already found his walking stick. He was pouncing in the water getting drenched by the falls, and jumping around the rocks. He fell but he was sure to tell Cathy that he was fine so he could do it again. Cathy's remark was "Two hands Two feet" I am sure he conveniently didn't hear her because he never skipped a beat. Julia was adventurous as well, she went off the trail above a waterfall with her Daddy and had a smile from ear to ear. I think next time she will bring her bathing suit. I was completely surprised by my little hopper (a.k.a Aynsley Nicole) she walked almost the entire time and was really into doing everything everyone else was doing. She made her way across the rocks and in the water just like the "big girl" she claims to be. My family is surprisingly growing up before my eyes. I am not sure how to feel. It makes a part of me happy and a part of me sad. I guess that is typical.
Ross, let's see what can I say about Ross, other than Sexy, Sweet, Hot, yeah all those things and more. He was fun and a little unpredictable. He carried a big pack, helped with all the kids, took Julia on a makeshift wilderness bathroom hunt, made a cool cap out of a T shirt ( which was very hot) and finished it off by filling my gas tank on the way down from the mountain and taking all of us to lunch. What a trooper. He really enjoys being outdoors and having an activity, as I have said before. Let's just say it made me happy to see him that way.
I had a great time snapping pics and spending quality time with my family. Couldn't have been a better day in my eyes.
Paul, Cathy, and Aidan were troopers. It was hot and poor Paul had to carry precious cargo on his chest the entire time. He was cautious about walking too fast so little Aidan's head wouldn't bob around too much, was thoughtful of Cathy and even my big babies. Cathy was the ringleader at snack time and provided much needed snacks for all of us along the way. She was a watchful eye over my little ones and seemed to be having as good a time as they were ( well I don't know if anyone had as much fun as Liam)
Great trip to Hanging Rock and we leave tomorrow for the Beach. Just a short trip but sure to be a fun one. As soon as we get back Mamie will be coming in to town for a week visit. What a wonderful Summer Vacation this has been and it is only going to get better.
All for now.
Lisa