Alte's first hike?

Yesterday morning we decided to go on a hike, since Jacob is furloughed.  We are deeming this Alte's first official hike.  We left the house (accomplishment #1), drove for about 1/2 hour with no crying from either child (accomplishment #2), and found the park.  Jacob and Hersh got out of the car, and checked out the area while Alte and I stayed in the car and she nursed.  I then needed to change Alte's diaper, at which point Alte and I were ready to go (accomplishment #4).  At this point Hersh declared that he needed to poop, so Jacob found a nice grassy spot and Hersh took care of business (accomplishment #5).  We then petted some horses who had arrived in the parking lot, and were on our way (accomplishment #6).  At this point probably another 1/2 hour had passed, which meant that Hersh has used up most of his steam, was ready for lunch, and wanted to be carried.  We pushed on, searching for interesting things in the forest, and did our best to minimize our 3 year old from complaining.  Maybe a 1/4 mile in we decided it was lunch time and found a group of big boulders to climb.  We promptly had our picnic, played the echo game, and then headed back out.  We made it back to the car (accomplishment #7).  It might not have been the longest, most beautiful, relaxing, best exercise hike that Jacob and I have ever taken, but we did it, with our 2 children in tow!

Hersh has been saying, "what'd ya say?" to EVERYTHING.  It is frustrating as it is clear that most of the time he has actually heard what has just been said, yet has developed this habit.  We are no longer repeating ourselves, and are fairly certain that this will pass.  Hersh also seems to be dropping his nap some days, which makes for some very emotional afternoons and evenings.  I suppose that 3 1/2 is an emotional age, and as parents we need to try and keep our patience as best we can.  Hersh is clearly experiencing things very deeply because he will share with Jacob and/or I "secrets" about interactions with friends from school.  Also, periodically Hersh has been saying, "Government Shutdown!" And today he said, "sometimes the road is bumpy" referring to the road of life:)

Alte is having more awake, happy time, and her smiles are becoming more frequent.  She gives us some sleep at night which we are grateful for, and overall she is a wonderful baby:)

Mushroom, by Hersh

Caterpillar, by Hersh

The 4 of us

Hersh's picture of us:)