As much as you really want to stop and turn back because not only are YOU tired, but your daughters have b*tched, whined, and moaned about EVERYTHING under the sun since the MINUTE you stepped on the trail. You don't. Because frankly, you all needed the exercise. And you're a glutton for punishment.
So after an hour of the insanity, you do what every good mother does. You bribe your kids. With money. And tell them that for every 15 minute increment they don't whine, you'll give them a dollar. Which Zadie will match. Then you shake your head in bewilderment as the true depth of their physical pain is proven when they completely forgot about it ... after being bribed with money to continue.
But in the end, after the three mile hike in the two hours and two minutes it takes you to get to the top, you let out a huge sigh of relief. You pat yourself on the back for persevering through the pain. You shed a tear at the beautiful sight of the two American flags waving in the wind at the peak and the gorgeous views of the San Francisco Bay.
Only to be snapped back to reality as your descent takes you another hour and a half. More whining and moaning ensue after several falls on the steep, rocky trails. Your brother carries your youngest daughter down several precarious shortcuts. You finish the last of the five water bottles, the Mike & Ike's, and the M&M's. You continue to look back at the peak where the flags get smaller and smaller and smaller as you FINALLY reach your car.
And you realize that the ENTIRE hike was worth it when your eldest daughter turns to you, after crying the last thirty minutes of the hike, tracking gum into the backseat of the car, complaining how thirsty she still is, and matter of factly says, ...
"You owe me four bucks."
Though in reality, she could have earned twelve.
Happy 4th of July.
P.S. While I jest, I absolutely must compliment my girls for an amazing job well done. It was a tough hike, and though I tease, they really were troopers and truly deserve to be congratulated!
at the top of Mission Peak
can you see the flag at the top of the peak?
about 1/3 of the way up
almost there
11 comments:
Owen has a flag shirt just like Grady's! He didn't wear it yesterday, though.
The concept of bribing children to complete tasks always is a double-edged sword.
um - eldest daughter is ALMOST as tall as you! that is CRAZY!! She has grown like a weed since last summer!
What a stunningly BLUE sky you had for your hike! Glad you made it to the top. Missed the opportunity to meet you as we flip-flopped North to South! Enjoy your time up north! (It's beach days and BBQs for us in San Diego). =)
NKL
They are braver than me. I'd of napped in the car. Ahem.
Then again, I went dress shopping with my mom and aunt and I wish they'd offered to pay me.
I love it! They'll remember this trip fondly when they are much older. Good job, Mom! What a great way to spend the 4th o' July.
Beautiful!! I am sure the kids will quickly forget about the pain and will be bragging about their climb in no time. That's an awesome hike and a beautiful view!!
Great job all of you! Love the idea of doing a hike for 4th! The kids are growing for sure - beautiful pictures!
Wow! Go you!!! You'll do anything to get out of the house, eh? Just kidding. Truly, good job.
I'm SO impressed with your girls! That's a long hike for little kids! And go you! LOVE all the photos - they're gorgeous!
sounds like quite a trip! nothing cuter than your 3 in their red, white and blue!
Wow! Even the little one made it! I have three sons, the youngest is 5YO, and I know for a fact that I'd be carrying him. Glad you had a wonderful 4th and I'm SO looking forward to meeting you soon. :)
Post a Comment