A sweatshirt & hiking kind of day!

After the heat wave we woke up to cooler temperatures. It was almost like we were on a trip...like we took a plane to Maine overnight. The boys ran for their new Goshen XC hoodies!

 So the girls wanted to wear their Goshen sweatshirts too! The day was beautiful and we decided to go on a hike at Jefferson Memorial Forest!

 Jeremy got out the map and showed the kids where we were going....he loves a good map!

 We had never been there but it was precious! The welcome center is in an old building with a bell..that still works when you pull the rope. It got pulled many times today for sure!

 Jeremy and Brad chose a trail and off we went.....

 The littles just loved it...pointing at trees...leaves...it was an adventure and they were happy to be on it!

 Lila was amazing...walking most all of it by herself!

 and when she needed help she wanted in from Julia Rose...

 We walked a long time...about the time we crossed this large tree we realized maybe we were off our trail...

 So the 1.8 mile trip had already been 3 miles..... the kids were so great about the hiccup and just kept hiking!

 We had a snack...got our bearing and found our way back to our trail!

 We were a little lost in the world for a few moments...but it was a beautiful lost.....

 We came hiking out of there with 7 littles...one out so cold from walking 4 miles....hungry and laughing at the whole adventure.....

 It was so funny running into these hikers with all their fancy gear...and retractable walking sticks...we just laughed and laughed since we were all a mess...truly we were! Sweat shirts had been shed and I was carrying them all...Lila was asleep.....Julia had a backpack full of heavy rocks she has collected...the kids were loud.... we were just on the opposite end of the spectrum from these quiet, poised hikers.

 But no matter what we were all still happy to be together! It was an adventure for sure! We did finally find our way out and back to our car where Applebees was calling our name! We were all so hungry! As crazy as it was...we can't wait to go back when the leaves change!