A few weeks ago, we ventured to Jones Gap State Park to make the rocky trek to Jones Gap Falls. This was an exciting milestone for both kiddos, because 1) it was Bethany's first time on this particular trail, and 2) it was Braxton's first time hiking to this waterfall on his own two feet. Yay!
Bethany is much happier on the trails now that she can see where she's going, which makes this mama's heart SO thankful. Braxton was a little whinier on this hike than he typically is, but I gave him lots of grace because I was so proud of him. A lot of adults struggle to hike this whole trail, so for a three year old to do it is pretty incredible -- hence the grace. I did carry both of them for about a fourth of a mile when Braxton tripped over one rock and hit his knee on another one, but he healed up real quick after a sweet friend gave him a Band-Aid.
This trail was only the second hike we ever went on with Hike It Baby, so it holds a special place in my heart. It's crazy to think that we've been on more hikes with this ever-growing community than we can count since then AND that we've added another little hiker of our own to the crew since. Braxton was a mere nine months old when we started hiking almost weekly, and it blows my mind that he's hiking relatively tough trails on his own now. Goodness, babies don't keep!
See those little buddies above? Braxton and Thomas have been hiking buddies since the very beginning, and their little friendship is so sweet. So chaotic, too, but mostly sweet. Getting outside with my children is only half the fun -- the people we've met along the way and the strangers who have become family is really the best part. For the parents and our littles.
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