My AJ Blog: Excellent Fall Weekend!

Monday, October 1, 2012

Excellent Fall Weekend!

AJ and I had such an amazing weekend. It was truly unforgettable. He was a really great boy, and he was so brave and tried new things. The weather has cooled down a lot and thanks to the change of seasons, our state is just beautiful and full of fun things to do!

On Saturday morning, we decided to attempt to climb Castle Rock. AJ and I drive by it almost daily because it's on our way home and we have talked about climbing it before. I always knew AJ could do it, but he was very into being carried everywhere until not too long ago and there was NO WAY I could or would carry him. Plus, it was a blazing hot summer and I didn't have much desire to be outside, much less hiking in that heat. When I asked him Friday night if he wanted to climb it, I made it very clear that if we did it, I was not carrying him. I told him we didn't have to get to the top, but no matter what, he had to walk. He was cool with that. The climb is really only about 1/2 mile up, but for a 4 year old, it can be quite steep. That morning when we set out, it was only in the high 60's. I packed snacks and water and we headed out.

I am so happy to say that he did the whole thing! He ran and skipped up most of it. We brought a bag with us to pick up any trash we found- we've been doing this a lot lately and we both find it very gratifying. When he picks up trash, I tell him the Earth thanks him- and he does it to me too:) We took a few water breaks, but he never complained or asked to be carried. We looked around from up top, talked about how beautiful the trees are, pointed out places in the city that he would know (his school, Dad's house, our house, the library, etc..). Then we headed down. That part, surprisingly enough was a bit tougher for him. There was a lot of gravel on the trail and he was slipping a lot. He got tired and wanted to be held, but I never did. I can't carry him much at all anymore. He's 40 POUNDS!

About 1/2 way up. Taking a water break and check out the city.

Made it to the top!

Then later than day, we met up with Ki, Dax and Skylar at the park where the boys played, ate lunch and rode bikes for over 2 hours. They had a great time! (see video's in the previous post).

Sunday, we went to our favorite fall place, Anderson Farms! This is our 3rd year and it was just as good. Because we went so early in the season there were not nearly the amount of people there. It was wonderful! No lines! We went with our friends The Zambrano's, and Ki and the boys. The kids did the corn maze, the hay maze, barrel train, tractor to the pumpkin patch, rode bikes in the farm, and took a tractor ride out to see the pumpkin launcher. It was awesome!

Here are some pictures: