Welcome to Just Us for February 2013. My year long project to Keep Mom in the Picture! We had the perfect opportunity to capture our Just Us pic last weekend on a stunning spring hike in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Windy Hill is a great place to hike in the cooler months. And for those that make it to the top on a clear day, a spectacular view of the Pacific is waiting for you. Our 3 littles did a stellar job at hiking the nearly 3 miles straight up a very windy hill. Alas, we did not quite crest the summit. They gave it their all and considering mom left lunch in the car did pretty darn well for 3, 6, + 9 year olds. Meet our hikers…
They are {mostly} patient of my photo taking. As long as I get a few goof ball shots in there for them too! We have definitely turned a corner for hiking as a family. It was our first 5 mile hike without anyone in a backpack and no ‘skittle fairy’ needed either. Yea! for the 3 little Matthews.
These shots can make a momma’s heart melt. The big kids are best buds. It always amazes me that with three years between them and being boy/girl that they can be so close. I am grateful for their friendship, it will only strengthen as they grow. Watching our littlest with my best friend and husband, so sweet. It’s one of those moments where we are celebrating coming through the other side of having little ones while also mourning the end of that stage where they love and need you and nothing else in their world matters but being close to you. Always bittersweet.
What may have tugged on our heartstrings even more than the kids growing up, is this guy. Our loyal, loving, amazing yellow lab. He has been with us since just before my husband asked me to marry him in 2000. He has hiked countless miles along side of us, watched our babies grow and now at nearly 13 years old was determined to make it up this Windy Hill hike with us once more.
We love you Jakey!
Please take a moment to see what my friends on this year long project with me are up to this month.
Pam Parisi, San Francisco Bay Area Photographer is up next. Enjoy!
ahhhhh…. so jealous of the warm sunshine and green grass!! winter can’t be over soon enough!
I LOVE San Francisco …… wonderful family picture with the view. Your kids are awesome at being able to hike that distance. So inspiring.
You did it! Great shots and love that you have these special memories captured. I see some Tahoe hiking in our future!
These are great! And the hiking around our area is spectacular! Oh, and your sweet Lab is way precious!!
What a beautiful view for your hike! We don’t get much green around here, you’ve inspired me to have a family hike soon so we can enjoy some greenery before it all turns brown soon! Beautiful family!
Yeah, you did it! Perfect location for some family shots, well done. I see some Tahoe hikes in our future