On the mountain top

I HEART long weekends. They are truly the BEST...especially, when our entire family has the day off together. On Monday, the boys were off from school and Shane had a holiday as well. Since it was supposed to be such a pretty day outside, we decided to take advantage of it and take the kids hiking. 

 We loaded up and headed out about an hour away to Crowders Mountain. Shane and I had been hiking there several times before, but had never taken the kids. They were all SOOO excited and couldn't wait to climb to the "top of the huge mountain"!!!

 

It was quite a steep mile ascend up to the top of the mountain, but the kids did a great job! They really enjoyed exploring and investigating the hiking trail. If there was a tree to climb, they climbed it! If there was a rock to inspect, they inspected it!

 

But I think everyone would agree, that the best part of our hike was finally reaching the top!!!

We were greeted by spectacular sights

 and breathtaking views! 

On the descend down the mountain, Hud's little legs were quite tired

so Shane ended up doing double duty. 

Bless his heart;)

Once down at the bottom again, we enjoyed a yummy picnic lunch! 

Everyone had worked up quite the appetite during our hike and were starving;)

It was such a fun day spent in the great outdoors AND with the people I love most!!