Spring in California

[Naomi Goegan]

Spring is in full swing out here in the foothills of Orange County California. And being a nature lover, I told my husband I thought it'd be fun to go for a hike up to our favorite vernal pool this weekend and he agreed.

Our two oldest kids' immediate response was "I don't want to hike all the way up there!" They'd been on this hike enough times to know there's a lot of uphill getting there. They don't call it 'Vista Point' for nothing.

Being the wise and loving Mommy that I am, I gave them a choice (because they always end up enjoying themselves if I can just get them out there): "You can either change your attitude and be cheerful and I'll make popcorn for the hike, or you can complain and I'll give you a consequence (something involving lost time with friends)."

Yes, I really am that cold and heartless to force my kids to do what I want to do. Hey, Spring comes once a year and I'm not about to miss it's beauty because they're feeling lazy!

So glad I did...

It was an unbelievably beautiful day.

The kids?

They still love me :)

Just look at that smile!

[Suz Lipman]

Wow, Naomi! These are beautiful pictures of a gorgeous day! Spring is at its peak at the peak. Good for you for getting your kids out there, too. They almost always have fun in nature -- with some, it's the getting-out-the-door part that's the biggest challenge.