In addition, he also likes to take them on a monthly hike, when it works out, called “Outdoor Dads.” It’s an informal group of dads (and sometimes moms) in the greater Portland area that go on little kid-friendly hikes in the area. And not only does he take both my children, there have been occasions where he has braved taking OTHER people’s children along as well, so that Mylie will have a friend. See, I told you. When other dads are shying away from changing dirty diapers, fixing pigtails, or getting out with the kids in general while the (gasp!) “game” is on… mine is saying… “Bring it on!” How did I get so lucky? There, bragging moment over.
At the end of September, Nick took the kids on one such aforementioned hike, to Wahclella Falls on the Columbia River Gorge. He was lucky this time and was able to find not only a friend for Mylie, but her dad came too, so Nick got to have a buddy as well. This is one of his favorite hikes, and the kids seem to always do amazingly well. Mylie was excited to wear her hiking backpack the whole time, and Nolan can always be seen sporting his Indiana Jones hat. The kids made it the whole time without complaining, and even got to watch the salmon spawning.
And me? I shampooed the carpets, got my hair cut, and went to dinner with a friend. A lovely adventure indeed.