over the mountains and through the woods...

While we were in Gatlinburg, we decided that it would be fun to go on a hike with Lydia. Ben and I have talked about what it would be like one day when we could go on hikes with our kids and how fun that would be. Well, now we know and we learned two very important lessons. Number one lesson learned; five miles is too long! Number two lesson learned; Lydia should be able to walk before we go on another hike!

We did have fun on the 2.5 miles on the way to the falls, but when we were getting ready to hike back to the car all "you know what" broke lose. Lydia was tired, but couldn't sleep (I wonder why... it was only 96 degrees outside, and she was having to ride in the Baby Bjorn which is not entirely breathable). I was sure that there would be a representative from Child Services to meet us at the end of the trail, because she was wailing at one point. Ben and I both felt like the worst parents in the world!

It was so embarrassing when people would pass, and of course we knew that they were thinking horrible thoughts about us. I am sure they knew that we were first-time parents. I will have to say it was pretty obvious. She probably only cried for about 10 minutes total, maybe 15. I forgot to bring her pacy, so she finally fell asleep with my finger in her mouth. When she fell asleep she got even heavier, and I was carrying her at the time.

Things really got interesting when I almost fainted and fell off the side of the mountain. People walking past were mostly concerned about me at this point and not our little girl. Ben took Lydia, and she continued to sleep. I think she felt more secure with her daddy. I started feeling a little better after a short break.

We finally made it to the car after four hours of Lydia crying hysterically, me almost passing out, and Ben and I almost killing each other because we were stressed out. Looking back now, it was a lot of fun. At least Lydia can say that she went on her first real hike when she was only six months old. Here are a couple of pictures of her at the beginning of the trail before our world turned upside down!