Today, we took a new approach to baby’s and exercise, and all that training running finally paid off. After configuring our used bob stroller  to use a borrowed car seat attachment, and then a trip to our local ACE Hardware, we were all set up. Baby in carriage, eyes open frighteningly wide, and our wonderful 2 year old strapped into her used Co-Pilot car seat, we were the epitome of the modern American “recycled goods” family team in training. We started out at about 12:30, it was a beautiful day and my wonderful wife and I were ready to get some afternoon exercise. I strapped on the GPS wrist watch to track our mileage and we were off.  I huffed and puffed as the rest of the family looked on with wonder and bewilderment, as did many of those blissfully strolling by on West Cliff rive. We biked and jogged up through and around the lagoon and then up to the Lighthouse. This is about 2.03 miles (thanks to Mr. Garmin). Layla ran up and down the grassy field by the lighthouse and we marveled at the elaborate display of an eloquently dressed 15 year old taking pictures for her quinceañera.  Wendy commented on how her dress was much more elaborate than the one she wore for her Wedding. Layla admired the little 3 year old who was dressed as ferry princess. After an hour of sun, we all ran and biked back. We stopped by a couple of garage sales along the way. Conveniently we did not bring our wallets.

This evening we took a walk to the fosters freeze and indulged our aching muscles with a chocolate dipped ice cream cone and a chocolate dipped 2 year old. It was quite a site, this culminated in a good long bath, and then some late night dancing to the oldies before bed. Lucca and I spent some time staring at each other, while I spent a good 5 minutes trying to get our 6 week old to say dad. I swore I heard something, although it may have been just gas.

Sometimes, even with all the exhaustion that comes with raising kids, it is day’s like these that make it worth it. It is, I always think, like climbing Yosemite falls with my dad when my sister and I were little.  The whole way up I was wondering why I decided to start the hike in the first place. But along the way, there were beautiful views, breathtaking waterfalls and a moment where I realized that I had accomplished something truly amazing. At the end of the hike, after all the complaining, when our back packs had been laid down, and we were eating our pizza, all I could remember was the joy of our hike and fun we had had as a family. I like to think of this when I am having tough days as a parent. I like to think that it is like that hike to Yosemite falls; the kisses, and the laughs, and the hugs, and the pudgy baby arms wrapped around my neck will be the memories I hold.  My wife and I will set down our backpacks some day, look back at the mountain, and see it for what it always was, a path chosen not because it was the easiest way to see the Valley, but by far the most rewarding!