I have proof!

So yesterday's hike was no joke.....One of the top toughest trails we have done....and I had seen the rating before we went, but I guess I wanted to feel it was over exaggerated lol:) And we wanted to add it to our list, the kids loved how it looked, and agreed to give it a go....we have a bucket list of trails, both close, and some that will need to be traveled to.....we have knocked so many of them out.....and have so many to go:) And I have so many thoughts today about it....but what struck me the most is that it showed me the shape the kids and I are in, in a good way.....we were not winded or struggling.....and only had to take a few short breaks........and of course our breathing increased, but it most definitely proved how my efforts in strength training and beyond are showing up in my cardiovascular system, and that my kids being as active as they are can hang too:) and it is fun for me when I can put it all to the test! It was strenuous no doubt......and it challenged all three of us in big ways.....at one point my daughter had the pedometer, and she was talking into it like it was a police radio......clocking her time of death, and that she needed back up to carry her out lol:) But we all felt accomplished when we finished:) And got rewarded by that delicious farm pizza place, delicious:) And our time in the woods is my favorite.....we are fully present and have the best conversations......and even the rides to and from....belting out radio tunes together, .....they know them all too like me:) Chatting about life and all of it......And this is a special time in our story, that I know......having us all in this adventure space....and time is a thief and they are growing up so quickly.....and I do not plan on wasting any of the time we have in this space......THIS version of us.......the version where the three of us are adventure partners.....taking off on a moment's notice to do the thing......and it is truly my favorite place to be......in every way, and theirs too.....they were talking about it on our way home, and how much they enjoy the things we do:)....and I love driving too.....never worrying about a day trip. Yesterday was a 3 hour drive, to hike for about 3 hours, to drive home for 3 and it was all good.....worth it.....I contemplated grabbing a hotel room and doing some more falls up there today but I had stuff I wanted to do.....and we are trying to plan a fall Watkins Falls adventure with my parents in Oct or Nov.......they have never been......and we want to take them......so we will be back, but yesterday was proof of so much......proving that my efforts in fitness translate into the real world, and that I continue to make deposits into my old age:) And it is proof that the efforts I make translate into the well being of my little family......building memories, and nurturing our health in every way amid the trees! I was wildly proud of them both for hanging in on that trail......All 4.5 miles of it were rough and punishing......and they didn't complain, they dug in and we whistled while we worked.....and it was so fun......it was a close second to Rickett's Glen....but challenging in different ways.....we have been to so many places now I am wishing I would have kept a list! Mohonk house hiking is next I think....besides all the local haunts we love:) As for me today, chores are on my docket! I am painting the trim in my bedroom and painting my hallway upstairs! It has been driving me crazy forever.....when my ex and I bought this house all of the house needed to be painted, and at the end we ran out of funds, and the hallway got an icky beige combo of leftover paint to make it happen.....and I have always hated the color, it is time lol:) Enjoy your Sunday! xoxo