Headed up the hill, my youngest was a bit worried about the sign.

Walking the narrow Ridge trail, it was easy to understand the warning.

My two best girls posed for a picture along the way, humoring their mom.

We paused for some water and I laid back on some rocks enjoying the perfect day.

A good hike is better than chocolate... yup, you've heard it here.

Wandering toward the car... the question isn't if... it's when we'll come again.

My daughters are 12 and 14.
Sometimes they like to fuss just for fun.
This picture shows the stairs
at the base of the Ridge Trail
in the lovely Conkle's Hollow Nature Preserve.
When we first arrived and were headed up the steps,
both girls were making disgruntled noises.
Along the path,
my oldest commented on the tree roots that were plentiful.
Both dear ones fussed plenty about each other.
When it was all over,
I wasn't quite sure they'd had a good time.
In the car,
headed back toward the city,
my girls were happy and talkative.
They chatted with me
and when I asked if they'd liked the hike,
my oldest said, "of course".
When I inquired further and questioned her about the fussing,
she laughed and said, "Mom, I'm fourteen, I fuss".
I chuckled.
She had me there.
I shook my head and just sighed.
I may,
just may make it out of my children's' teenage years
with at least partial sanity.
I pray that you are having a good weekend and that any fussing you find is of the variety my silly girls kick my way.
=-)


To plan your own visit to Conkle's Hollow visit http://hockinghills.com/parks/p_conkh.htm

... so much to learn...

Cutting... reading... tying shoes... what to do if someone is unkind... why you shouldn't wait until the last second to go to the bathroom... how to make cookies and catch toads... how to make a stapler work... what to do when you are angry and really want to wack someone...

These things...
and so much more....
are all in a day's work for a Kindergarten kiddo...

Learning to be a part of the world is hard work.
=-)