Tell Your Kids to Take a Hike

I first wrote back in October about as a place to raise my kids, determined to seek out and stumble upon what the city of my youth and its surrounding area have to offer.

I'm currently transitioning to becoming a full-time stay-at-home parent of a three year old (who I'll be taking out of preschool once I'm at home full time) and a very physically active sixteen month old.

So, now, more than ever, I'm motivated to find ways to not merely occupy our waking hours, but also to enjoy our time with each other.

This morning we took a short hike up to Fairmont Ridge from the Equestrian Staging Area on Lake Chabot Road in the Chabot Regional Park.

It's not an ideal hike for toddlers, but wait for it. Wait. Wait. And: "THE COWS, MOMMY! THE COWS!"

We walked right through a herd of cows.

And as if that wasn't enough to wonder about, my determined three-year-old set off up the path, declaring, "This is the tallest mountain I've ever met!"

It was a steep hill, but even with two little ones, it was manageable. I packed the sixteen-month old on my back and the three year old walked all by herself, if she does say so herself.

We only made it as far as the top of the ridge, though the Children's Memorial and other trails are further along the path.

Nevertheless, the view from the top of the ridge, the shade of the eucalyptus trees and a flat area to run around picking up "pinecorns" (as my daughter calls them); it was well worth the effort of getting the kids up the hill in the first place.

Morning occupied. Moments enjoyed. And a little exhaustion and early onset nap time never hurt either.

Read more about our hike and our daily lives at Dearest Daughters.