The Laughing Spot

It was a rare, free Friday with Chad off work, and nothing for us to do. Blink and you'll miss the fall extravaganza, so we decided to keep the kids from school and carpe diem!

Chad and I thought to revisit a favorite place. Hobble Creek Canyon. We loved it when we were dating, but on this Friday we discovered something that Chad never knew. Long before we ever went there together, I used to drive through this place often to enjoy the peace and astounding beauty, sit by the side of the road and visit the cows. I seriously did. We'd stare at each other through my car window and I'd say things like, hello sweet cow, how are you? I'll never eat you. Only in my head of course, which hopefully makes it a little less weird. As we passed the cows this day, I teased Chad, asking if they made him hungry. Anyway, I love love love this place.


At first, all I saw was this! I was getting really worried that we'd missed fall. Then things started looking brighter after I saw the best ranch/homestead sign ever, ever.

It read, I think, exactly this:
Grandpa's Shining Mountain
The Laughing Spot

I want to live there!


Soon my autumn dreams came true.
Three Shining Trees.


Up, up, and up we drove, with my anxiety level going up with us.
When we got to the top, of course, it was all worth it! It was Amazing.


Jack and Allie fell asleep while we climbed. Chad said it was beginning to feel like a repeat of the sleeping through Yellowstone!


At last we reached the summit and got out of the car.


We climbed one little hill, our biggest hike with the kids yet. I wish we'd taken a real hike this year! I guess we still have time, but next year, with older kids, I hope to take many, many.


A rare willing pose from Sydney. I could tell this was her happy place too. Her element is right here.


Jack trying to just get it over with. I appreciate that he tried to smile in the sunshine without squinting, so sweet!


Tree Huggin'.


Oh, that bright sun!


This was better.


I wish I knew what they were looking at. Probably the grasshoppers. They were everywhere!


Feels so good to be in the forest.


Friends forever. That's my wish.

The way down the mountain was much more fun. We were all awake, Sydney was nervous we'd fall, and I was constantly telling Chad to slow down and be careful. Chad said Sydney got the scaredy-cat genes, and then Allie asked, you got scaredy-cat genes Sydee? Made us giggle.

Soon we were on safer ground and laughing heartily as Chad went light speed ahead over and over again. It felt like Indiana Jones and Star Tours combined! Sharp turns through the trees, splashing over the creek, it turned out to be a thrilling little expedition. I wish for my memory to forever store the sounds of belly laughter coming from three little kids in the back seat.

Hooray for magical, merry days!