The great outdoors...

Today, Steve and I decided to have a "family day". We tend to work too much and at times feel convicted that we need to make more memories with our kids. And Steve wanted to make a trek up the mountain before ALL the snow was gone. So off we went! It's always hectic getting packed and everyone in the car by morning nap time (so the twins could sleep on the drive up), but it was totally worth it. Steve and I both love the outdoors and can't wait until our kids are just a little older so we can do more and more with them.

We went up to Donner Pass and went for a hike. The trails were still partially covered in snow, so it was quite a workout. We each carried a baby on our backs and took turns pulling Molly on the sled. It was so much fun to be a naturalist for Molly, and teach her about the birds and trees and river (something both Steve and I have a passion for).


After hiking in towards the lake, we stopped under some trees where the snow had melted. We put our blanket down and enjoyed the picnic that we packed. As long as Garrett and Paige were standing up on their feet they were pretty good about not putting things in their mouth, but I'd say a fair bit of dirt, leaves and bark got consumed. Mmmm... fiber...


Then it was time to play in the snow. Garrett was SO EXCITED and was completely wet and muddy by the time we were through. Paige enjoyed it, as long as her hands stayed clean, dry and warm and she didn't get any dirt on her. And of course Molly was in heaven!


And then we enjoyed some sledding. This version of sledding was more "slipping down minor inclines", but Molly didn't care and was SO HAPPY to be able to go down with her brother and sister. It was definitely a glimpse into the blessing of having 3 kids in 2 1/2 years. Hopefully they will all grow up having fun and playing together.


When we were all done, we came back down the hill and had a nice dinner in Auburn before coming home. It was such a wonderful day and we're looking forward to when the kids are older and we can do more and more of this stuff.