Spring? Is That You?

The groundhog had not even been given the opportunity to see its shadow yet and with the first hint of spring and warm weather, the Webbs were off the mountains in search of a good hike. We found it with one I had done when I was about 6 months pregnant with Cooper. We figure the math worked out, whether you're 6 months preggo or 4 or 5 years old, your legs, heart and lungs work just about the same. We parked at Metcalf Bottoms picnic area and ate our lunch along the river before we packed our backpacks with snacks, water and the hiking essentials such as Smarties and suckers to keep the kids busy when they have a little spot of boredom. Kendall began the hike with her typical whining about 30 yards in, but once we made it a little further, she was all skips and giggles as usual.

The sunshine was not only good for the skin and our spirits, but our souls as well. It has already been a long and cold winter for us Tennesseans. We're not used to a January without at least a few days in the 50's and we are definitely not used to any snow "storms" in December to start us off. And to boot, I've missed my camera. There just aren't a lot of opportunities to bring it out in the cold winter months and I need that hobby like my kids need that candy... I just get plain ole grumpy without it.

The other thing that makes the kids love to hike is the frequent stops we make along the streams to throw rocks, float leaf boats and look for fish and salamanders. Cooper found a perfect resting spot at this pitstop.
At the Walker Sisters cabin, we drew a few odd looks from other visitors with our rousing game of Hide and Seek. Kendall found a perfect spot along a bush, blending in nicely with her green shirt. I love this picture. If she weren't so darn adorable she'd almost look evil. It was accompanied with "Shhhhh Mommy!! Don't tell them where I am!! Hehehehe (yes, that IS my version of her evil little witch laugh)"

Another stop along the stream... And an apparent wardrobe exchange.

There were many bridges along this hike to the Walker Sisters' cabin and the Little Greenbriar Schoolhouse. The kids LOVE bridges and to have several along one hike keeps the suckers and Smarties securely in the backpack.

Over 3 miles of beautiful scenery, warm sunshine and unmatched family time made for a perfect pre-spring day (who likes that "w" word anyway?). We've since been on another hike and are currently enjoying a week full of 60 degree weather. So, in short, it's a GOOD week at the Webb house. Hope you can say the same wherever you are!