Tradition

I love traditions. They are what define and bind a family. Many fond memories are born in and of simple, sweet traditions. Our family has a tradition of going on a hike on Labor Day. Why???? That's a good question. Maybe it's our way of saying farewell to summer. Maybe one Labor Day we decided to go on a hike and had so much fun we decided to do it again the next year. Probably it's both. When we were in Oregon we enjoyed hiking to Rainie Falls and watching the salmon run. They were awe-inspiring (the falls and the salmon). This year we hiked to Long Lake, Little Bear Lake and Big Bear Lake. Each of which were awe-inspiring as well. We were so proud of the kids. This was not an easy hike for little legs but not one complaint passed a single lip. Amazing!! There were many tumbles due to the rocky terrain but the view was so, so worth it. Little S. ate so much dirt but he got up and just kept going. He just didn't want to be left behind, in fact he wanted to be leading the pack. Yet another way he takes after his dad I think. The kids enjoyed finding the perfect skipping rock for dad. To the surprise of all they did, it went halfway across the lake! There is something exciting about the plop and splash from throwing a rock in the water, especially a really big one. Our family was occupied with this pass-time for quite a while. Did I mention I love traditions and I LOVE my family?!!!