Take It Easy

So, I'm trying to take it easy with the family for this Labor Day weekend. It looks like Michael's going to have a decent number of out of town work trips this fall (more than we thought even a week ago), so I'm going to have my work cut out for me in the coming months. Of course, Libby and I are old pros at this, so we'll be just fine.

I am getting stuff done this weekend too, but I'm keeping the "lists" to a minimum. Taking shortcuts on things where I can, rather than finding the most time-consuming way to complete a task. I've already found myself actually getting ahead (or maybe I just feel like it because I'm doing more than what's on my list) than if I had a long list! And this way I have time to appreciate individual moments more.

This morning, we kicked off the weekend with taking Libby on her first hike, where she actually hiked, too. It was an easy one at Red Top Mountain and we took it slow. We packed water, Commissioner and a small snack for her on the way home, my camera and we were off!

I didn't take any professional quality shots, nor did I attempt to. I just wanted some of us having fun!

The first excitement was a Daddy Long Legs that Libby spotted on our path. She has some SHARP eyes and as my Granddaddy Bubba would have said, she's a "keen observer." Then, we found this great tree.

Peek-a-boo!

We picked up some (not-so-lovely) leaves and a great walking/poking stick for Libby.

We got a few photos early on - and it was a good thing, because after our potty break (yay for the lodge!) half-way through the hike, Libby mainly wanted to be carried. (She went to bed a little late, woke a little early and didn't have a great nap yesterday... so she went for an early nap after today's hike and is still sleeping now. She needs it!)

Copping a squat and having a refreshment break with her favorite "cold water" before the trek back to the car.

Meanwhile, with her extra weight, I got a tad bit more exercise that I anticipated. And she was so sweet hanging on, too. We got lots of great hugs!

We used my tried and true technique for distraction if you're trying to pass the time on a hike after Libby kept telling us that she was ready to "go home to Ibby's house": singing. She loved naming the Disney movies in which the songs were featured.

But she found the energy right at the end for a little balance beam walking, of course!

All-in-all, pretty much what I expected (though I thought the interest would carry us a tad longer than it did.) But everyone did have a nice time and it was a great introductory hike! Oh- and you may have noticed that we're all wearing gear to support our teams today! Michael = Ga. Tech, Me = UGA, Libby = Dogs (of all kinds- dirty and clean) and we got to see a lot of dogs on our hike! And a snail, too.



Now I'm watching my dawgs beat up on Buffalo and Libby even said, "woof woof woof" back and forth with me at lunchtime! Awesome. And she's been specifically asking for us to pray more. We said several extra prayers out loud today and it's a wonderful way to keep our blessings in mind throughout the day and share what's important with Libby.