Hitting the Trails...

My parents live along the Columbia River in Oregon and literally a few minutes from some of the most beautiful waterfalls I've ever seen. Dan has made a point of taking us out 4-5 times on day hikes in the surrounding areas over the last several weeks.  Its been such a wonderful way to spend time as a family just talking, laughing and encouraging each other.  Our kids have really taken to hiking.  Andrew tells us its now one of his favorite things to do, and Forrest is learning how to keep pace.  The first few hikes were very family friendly with a paved trail which allowed me to push Forrest up in our stroller but he's now starting hiking up on his own.  Its been a real confidence booster for him to say that he hikes like the big boys.  Adelaide does really well in our backpack!  She sits quietly the whole trip and only gets restless if we stop for more than a few minutes.  The fresh air and scenery is so rejuvenating.  We started with the classic hike to top of Multanomah Falls. 

A hug that soon turned into a mini wrestling match.

The picture below is from the top of Multanomah Falls.  You can see the drop off where the water plummets 620 feet.

Wakeena Falls.

Grandpa Brown (my Dad :) came along for this hike. The boys enjoyed his humor and great conversation.

Aww...I love my Dad! :)

Its hard work being toted up the mountain :)  Here's Addi refueling after all that sitting, ha ha!

I spy with my little eye...a chipmunk. 

Lemmon's Viewpoint.

Horsetail Falls. 

A view from the cave looking out to a smaller falls.

A view from the trail. 

Needless to say, you can tell that we absolutely love this area.  Its very secluded and beautiful.  Its amazing to step outside and see the river across the way, and the fall colors changing in the gorge.  With still so many unanswered questions about our future, its been a huge blessing to enjoy the richness of the nature around us. 

I want to thank each of you that have sent little notes and personal emails to me.  It was a very busy month getting settled in here at my parents, so I feel terrible that I didn't respond to every email and note right away.  I just want you to know how much it meant to me that you took the time to think of us and write!  I'm getting back into the groove of things and will be writing you each back over the course of the next week.  Thank you for your never ending love and patience with me!  I don't deserve such amazing friends and family!  I hope you know how your sincere interest and genuine love have buoyed me up and inspired me to be better :)