Tree Spring Trail

We went for a hike today on a little trail that leads to the peak of Sandia Mountain. It has been a very long time since we did something purely recreational as a family and even longer since we left our neighborhood to do it. I was almost more excited for the long stretches of knitting time on the car ride to the trail head, than I was for the hike itself.

Two kiddos in car seats = peace for everyone.


It was more wonderful than I can say, to be out with the dirt and the trees and watching the kids bravely tackle the climbing. Even the little one, new to being upright, insisted on walking much of the way by himself. He lost his balance and fell on rocks twice his size many times, but he rarely complained. We took a big thermos of hot cocoa as a surprise for the kids and we were rewarded by enthusiastic appreciation, followed by grave disappointment that it tasted unlike the thick, milky stuff we make at home. Oh well, I guzzled it.



We forgot to bring the baby carrier, so the hike was short but sweet. We're already planning to go again soon, this time to a spot with waterfalls. We desert dwellers so crave a small spot of abundant water in the mountains.


























I brought my first Malabrigo Mama Sleeve along for the hike. It was tricky getting a good picture, while preventing my children from stepping over the edge of a steep cliff. But I'm happy to say that I managed.



After our hike we were in such a good mood that we decided to drive to Madrid for lunch in a restaurant. Restaurant visits are a bit complicated. The toddler is not fond of restraints and he wants nothing more than to explore the kitchens and other dangerous parts of every restaurant we visit. My husband and I both spent a great many years working in restaurants in our younger years and were routinely appalled by the self-absorbed parents who allowed their children to wander about the restaurant under the feet of servers carrying hot pots of coffee. We occasionally cringe that we have become those people now. But more often, we are amazed by how little we care. Such is the luxury of self-absorption.

Lunch was a great success. We sat on the patio and allowed the little one to toddle about while we ate Cuban sandwiches and baked brie. We only had to jump up every 30 seconds or so to prevent him from wandering into the parking lot. It was very like every other meal we share at home.

I found a little gallery in Madrid called Tapestry, that carried gorgeous hand-dyed yarn by Robin Pascal. It was really divine but I restrained myself.



After a long, lovely drive home, the sleeve covers my elbow.


Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, American and otherwise.

I love Thanksgiving. It's a great secular holiday that reminds us all to feel humbled and warmed by our many blessings.


-m

Labels: life in general, malabrigo

  ¶ 9:25 PM