We had plans to go hiking so we packed our lunch bag and started getting ready for the day.
The boys honored my mother's day wish by giving me a new picnic blanket.... just like I had requested. I think this is the first year that they have gifted on their own accord. I am proud.
And... I am officially old. (please give me a picnic blanket. geez)
Our original hiking companions were unable to come today, so we headed across town to get another boy, from another mother. (I was privileged to sneak Matthew away from his own mother for many hours today. Thanks, Trena!)
We had a special breakfast at Bojangles. (only special because my kids would never have agreed to Bojangles on a normal day!)
We hit the road and headed toward Mt. Pleasant for a day of hiking. I was a pretty rad mom, maneuvering up a bumpy dirt road all on my own. I remember when Thayer first took me to Cold Mountain, on the same road... and I was so intimidated by the ruts and bumps. I thought he was so bad ass.... getting us to the hiking location. This time I was driving like a boss! ha.
More proof that I might actually be an adult! ack!
We arrived at the trail head at noon. My boys have camped on Mt. Pleasant, twice, so they knew what to expect and where to go.
I love having teen boys!
My big accomplishment on the hike was that I peed in the woods!! Go Jill! I was quite pleased that I remembered how. And I recalled the first time I peed in the woods, back when I was dating Thayer. I think it was my sister-in-law who had to teach me. I squated like a pro today. :)
To my horror, as I continued along the path.... the boys pointed out that my choice squatting location was in clear view of the looping trail! Thank goodness there were no other hikers in the vicinity. I can only imagine their horror!
We hiked to the summit and had our lunch. The boys enjoyed showing me where they had camped on their previous visits. I was quite impressed at the secludedness and wildness of it all.
I'm 100% sure that I won't be camping there. ever.
I have no idea how they managed to carry their gear up on their previous adventures. It was tiring!
I noticed something about myself today.
I'm pretty sure that a year ago, at this time, I wouldn't have even considered such a hike. I was at my heavist weight and I probably would have died. I still have a long way to go on my weightloss journey... but my routine of walking everyday has shown that I'm in good enough shape to hike! This is such a relief. I'm glad that I will be able to participate in these activities with my boys. I want this to be a summer of adventure for us! I am glad that I can be active with them. This is great motivation to keep getting in shape.
I calculated that we hiked about 6.5 miles this afternoon. Our excursion on the mountain took about 3.5 hours.
Including breakfast and travel time I was able to spend a whopping 7 hours of uniterrupted time with the kids. I had a blast!!
After returning home, we showered and ordered pizza delivery! (which I never order delivery! this MUST be a special day!) We watched a documentary about the Lemurs of Madagascar.... AND I still had time to download these pictures and blog!
I couldn't have asked for a better day!
I'm a blessed Mom indeed.
