Fall Hike

People around here rave about a local state park, so we decided to take the kids in October so we could see some great fall colors up close.

Well, much to my chagrin (Fall is my favorite season), we were too late for the fall colors.  We did have a lot of fun, however.

I don't remember a whole lot from this day other than that all of Iowa seemed to be visiting this particular park at the same time we were.  We had to drive through a one-way lane where a little stream crossed over at several points.  The kids thought this was magically fun.  I know the rule about never driving over running water, but the road was made for that purpose and everyone else was doing it. . .with logic like that, how could we go wrong?

It was a gorgeous fall day.  I loved seeing the sunlight streaming through the trees so I had to take a few pictures.

Charlie spent the hike in the baby carrier.  I love the moby wrap but Charlie doesn't now that he is more mobile.  This one worked pretty well.

William enjoyed using Nature's potty.  Everett did as well.  James, as I recall, was surprised and disapproving.  

Crossing fallen logs is one of the best parts about hiking.  Joel and I searched for a while until we found this one.  I was surprised there weren't more.

It is more exciting if it crosses a ravine, but that would have given Joel a heart attack so I was glad we found this one.

The stream was probably the highlight of the trip.

We let the kids wade in it and get as wet as they wanted.  This was at the end of our hike and we were glad to be so relaxed about having wet clothes.  James was not interested in crossing by himself so Everett was kind enough to be his buddy.

This was definitely not the most impressive scenery we've seen in our parts of Iowa, but it was pretty nonetheless.

Joel and I were glad we went, and I think the kids were as well.

It was a wonderful family day and a great way to kick-off fall, even though no one really liked the healthy carrot-zucchini, low-sugar muffins I made to snack on.