Tennesse Valley

We did a beautiful hike in Marin at Tennessee Valley today.  The original plan was to hike to the ocean but Miguel saw a sign for a peak and up the mountain we went.  It was a big hike for the boys and I was proud they did it with little complaining.  There was complaining but not a lot.  Not like when Tonio cried the entire hike in the rain.  That was horrible.  Today there were the I am tireds but they did it.  Tonio and I sang while Brian, with Arrow on his back, played 20 questions with Migs.

Funny quotes from the day:
- "Tonio it smells like Pop Pop and Terrys' up here"- Miguel

- "P-o-o spells Poop."  Tonio
    "How do you know that?" Miguel
    "Because I am smart" Tonio

- "Here are some flowers for you mommy.  I kissed them and give them love for you" Tonio

At one point, Tonio and I looked out over the hills on the golden dry grass.  There was a cluster of these tall plants with the whitish feathers blowing in the breeze with the Pacific sparking in the background.  That golden fall sunshine kills me everytime.

To keep the troops motivated, the treat at the end would be a banana split at Toms.   

Of course there was no way for the day to end but with lots of tired tears especially with Tonio but that was once we got home.