Silver Falls, Oregon

This was our second time to hike at Silver Falls, and it was just as beautiful as we remembered it. Last year we took turns holding Moss because he was just learning to walk and our stroller wouldn't fit down the trail, but this year we were able to let him walk some and then use our hiking backpack for the steep and narrow parts of the trail. I think we all had a better hike this time! He explored the wide paths, picked flowers, watched bugs, and sat on benches (since he's now big enough to climb into them by himself). His fascination with every new encounter makes me look at things with a new appreciation. I cherish these times being outdoors with him and getting to observe his connections with nature forming right before my eyes. Sharing these moments with him makes the challenges of parenting somehow melt away. At least for a little while...