Our Family Hikes

Growing up, I always wanted to believe I was adventurous and daring, but as I have grown up I realize more and more that I am actually kind of a wimp and a bit fearful of new things.  I think a lot of the "fear" comes more from my hate for being bad at things, and therefore I don't like trying something in front of others unless I know I will be at least decent at whatever it may be.  This obviously takes the adventurous out of the adventure, clearly showing I am not adventurous after all.  I do however like being active, and always enjoyed playing sports that weren't organized but more about just having fun and sometimes included knocking people over.  (Ask me about Aussie ball and Milk Jug Lacrosse when you are older and I will tell you my stories!)  I like comfort and familiarity, but moving across the ocean to a town I have only known for a total of 20 days before I called it my "home" has changed any form of that other than the family that surrounds me.  I have to say it's my biggest adventure in life so far, and in our first month it has proved to be so very wonderful and full of exciting new things.

Hiking is something I have found I really enjoy, especially living in the beautiful French Alps.  This past week we have gone on two hikes as a family, and you my dear girl, seem to like it too!  It is extremely HOT here right now, but as we go higher up the mountain the air gets cooler and we are hidden from the scorching sun under a beautiful canopy of trees easing the heat enough to enjoy the outdoors!  On our first hike, I tried to put you in our faux ergo backpack style, and quickly realized I am not superwoman after making it up the steepest part of the hike with you on my back and nearly 27 weeks pregnant to boot!  Your dad  (as he had before we started but my stubborn wannabe superwoman self resisted) insisted he take you for the rest of the walk.  You weren't a fan of the backpack anyway, so on his shoulders you gleefully rode as we walked our way up to a 1,000 year old castle that is half crumbled to the ground, but still shows all its original beauty.  Chateau de Montfort is right behind our house here in Crolles, and was a simple hike to get us acquainted with what to expect with you, little love, along for the ride.  It was hot, and wiped us all out for an afternoon nap, but something we all enjoyed and vowed to make a weekly event throughout the summer.  Our hope is to find different local spots and explore as much as we can together, before dad lands a job and leaves us to make a living for us.  Have I mentioned he is the best? :)

Yesterday we headed out about 10-15 minutes down the road to Cascade d'Alloix, a waterfall with a crystal clear stream making its way down the mountain and creating countless little play areas for you to cool off in the water along the hike.  It was beautiful and a pretty easy hike, but having you on your dad's shoulder made me a bit less than calm at moments.  I prayed out loud a few times as we made our way up, up, up with only about two feet, if that, to walk before falling off the edge.  He did at least take you off his shoulders for the steep climbing portions of the hike!  Dad kept assuring me he was fine and not to forget that I too was carrying his child.  I did have to think about my steps a few times as I wasn't trusting my own balance, but we survived and now I know not to worry for next time!  I will, however, always walk IN FRONT of you and your father so that I don't have to watch  and worry all the more :)  We hiked up about 30 minutes, but only made it to the first, smaller of the two, waterfalls.  You were over due for sleep and wore your self out jumping and splashing in the water.  We stopped many times to enjoy the refreshing cold water, and we were amazed how you had no fear just jumping in and walking around the rocks.  We spent about two hours there, and made a pact to go back at least a few more times before summer ends, if not once a week.  It is the perfect spot to go for an afternoon picnic and refresher in this hot weather. 

Somehow we managed to let  you sneak your bunny our of the car, and due to it being nap time we couldn't hide it towards the end of the hike.  You are kind of spoiled my love! :)

I'm excited for all the possibilities of the future, and feel confident following the Lord's leading where ever that may be.  At this time, I'm so happy to be where we are and am anxious to see all the He has planned to show us and teach us through this adventure and journey in our young families life.

P.S. We need a new camera.  Correction we have needed a new camera for some time now, but well we don't do so well with spending money on things (other than for entertainment), so I'm sure someday we will get one! :)  The quality isn't what matters though Zaylee girl, right?  Right!