Last week, I packed up the kids and headed north to visit my parents in Virginia for the week and celebrate my birthday. My son is in the middle of track out from school and Trent had a business trip in Canada so it was the perfect opportunity to go.
The weather on my birthday was the best weather of the week. And thank goodness as we had planned a visit to Shenandoah National Park for a hike and lunch. The sun played peek-a-boo the entire adventure. Out one minute. Gone the next. The temps hit the low 50s and there was a bit of a breeze. We bundled up and headed upward following the trail from Little Stony Man parking up to the Summit.
The view was so worth it! We could see down to the valley below and the mountains to the west beyond. D had a great time leading us with his “hiking stick” (i.e., a long stick he found and took along). My daughter enjoyed the ride on my back in the LÃllébaby Seahorse carrier laughing as she watched both her brother and her grandparents’ dog, Tia, make their way up the trail. (I only realized later that she was seated a little too deep. But given we were both comfy and she fell asleep on the descent, I’ll consider it still a win.)
And proof it is possible to get a group shot (well, minus the dog!) without a selfie stick. Just find a good tree to position your phone on and set the timer.
Of course, that doesn’t mean you’ll get everyone looking at the camera!
After our trek to the top, we headed back down the trail to the car and then to lunch at the Skyland Restaurant nearby. It was such a beautiful day and great way to spend my birthday.
Linking up with Mommy & Me Monday at Really, Are You Serious?
7 Comments
What a gorgeous view!
It really was! It’s been several years since I’ve been up there and was extra special this time getting the “wow!” from Dylan. He was so excited being able to see down to the “village.” LOL We kept having to correct him and explain it was the “valley.”
These photos are so gorgeous, and you look so beautiful and happy! So glad you shared!
Thanks! We had fun. A very enjoyable, invigorating birthday!
You are more brave than I could be. My fear of heights makes me just about cry when we go to the mountains. Add the kids and I swear one will go toppling off the side. But I will say…the views are always breathtaking!
LOL We weren’t quite as close to the edge as it looks, but, yes, we did have to remind a certain curious 6 year old to keep back more than once. 😉 The trickiest part was going back down because the fallen leaves were a bit slippery. Thankfully, we all stayed on our feet for the entire adventure.
What a great hike and birthday celebration! I just can’t get over how big Elise is getting!