Day 3 in the mountains, took us to Grassi Lake, but the roads were closed. So I've saved that one for a family hike in the future. Instead we went to Grotto Canyon. Once we arrived in the parking lot, Conor and I recognized it. We had done this hike when I was pregnant with Maeve! So a repeat, no big deal. Enoch wasn't feeling very well (day one of covid for him, poor guy), so he stayed in the backpack carrier the whole time and no one was allowed to look at him! The hike began feeling really dystopian, dried out creaked, walking past a mineral processing plant. We got some laughs out of that. But as we arrived at running water and cooled off the the canyon, it all felt a little better. Ira loved playing in the water and I didn't mind having his damp little self on my back for the the hike back to the trailhead.

Next stop, we were crossing our fingers we'd find parking at Lake Louise and could do the hike to the Plain of the Six Glaciers. But no luck, so that hike is one I'll do as a day hike the next time I have the opportunity. Instead, we hiked Boom Lake. We had a bit of stalled start as we heard about 2 grizzlies and a black bear on the trail. We went anyways, carrying our bear spray and didn't see one single bear. The hike was really pretty and the fresh air smelled so good! When we reached the lake, we stopped for lunch, water play and rest. Once, Enoch saw the lake, he wanted his clothes off and he hung out lakeside in the nude until we packed up and headed back to the trailhead. I was so proud - so McNeill of him. Notice the picture of Enoch sampling everyone's water bladders. I think that's how he effectively spread Covid to almost everyone in the group.

On our Calgary trip, we prioritized getting out for a hike. The Cranmers took us to Troll Falls in Kanaskis country and it was perfect! I really enjoyed getting out in nature and this is me reminding myself that I'd like to do that more. I was really impressed at how well Maeve did and of course, Ira didn't fall asleep until the last 5-10 minutes. He was completely enthralled the entire time leaning his body so that he could see around my shoulder and take in everything around him.

This little hike is 12 minutes away from our house and I've been meaning to hike it with my family for a while. We finally did it! Our Saturdays can be so blah (because 5 kids and babies), but Conor and I would really like to do something on the weekends. So this weekend was it! We packed snacks, bundled up and went. I'm so glad we did. It was so great to be outside and fun to explore a new spot. It's definitely one to return to.

We got brave and went on a family hike on November 11th. The hike wasn't long, just over a mile, but sometimes those little legs give out! That morning was foggy and so the trees were gorgeous with frost. I was so happy to get outside and enjoy a trail I haven't been on in a while. I so appreciate where we live, there are quite a few beautiful hikes close by.