Hiking at Tyler State Park

A couple of weekends ago, the weather was so comfortable. We invited our friends, Cynthia, Dave, and Liam, to come to Tyler State Park with us to go hiking (and, of course, to stop at Tanner's for an ice cream treat on the way home).

Ella and Liam enjoyed throwing rocks in the creek (they were standing in parts that were covered with water last time since it was so dry). Ella loved that we took the trail that was unpaved this time and she said it was like "really hiking in the woods." I was worried that she might not make it the whole way since it was a little more rustic than we usually do with her, but she did great--we had to slow her down sometimes because she wanted to be the leader of our group. I couldn't get any pictures of her face because I was "following [her] footsteps."

Ella collected a lot of special things for her bucket, like acorns, sticks, rocks, and flowers. On our way into the park, out in the open space near a parking lot, we saw a small animal that looked like a fox. We weren't sure what it was....

We had a fun morning with our friends and they were gracious to invite us to their house later for dinner and smores. We are very grateful to have such good friends to spend time with.

buddies heading to the hiking trail


getting ready to throw rocks into the creek


trying to look for little fish in the creek


Liam and Dave on an "island"


a butterfly that was flying and landing near us when were were at the creek


sitting and having a thoughtful moment


leading us across the bridge


"Come on, guys! Follow me!"


the fox (?) we saw on the way in...What do you think it is?