This was one of the best New Year's Eves ever. The sun burned off the cloud cover, and we woke up to the bluest sky. I took a few pictures before breakfast while Jonah watched through the glass and begged to come outside.
After breakfast, we bundled up, packed some water, and made our second attempt to hike to the top.
By our house, the patchy snow was giving way to deep green mosses.
In the woods, there was a solid snowcover, but it was already not as deep as the day before.
It was easier on Isaac this time, but he still needed a little help. Adam carried both boys part of the way up. Hard work...but look at that blue sky...
I walked with Isaac for the first half, and we took some water breaks when we got tired.
And we talked about the woods and all the things that live there, like this lichen on the tree.
As we left the woods, the snow disappeared, blown away by the winter winds of the Bald. The space, the sky...It was cold but so beautiful.
Every few steps, Isaac turned around to admire the view: "Look at THAT!" He showed me beautiful views and sticks and plants in the grass, and finally we sat for a few minutes to take it all in and find Grandfather's profile.
We finally reached the top and found Adam with a cold Jonah. The wind was frigid and blowing hard up there, and poor Jonah was crying when it hit his chapped face.
The rocks gave us enough shelter to stay for a little while.
Isaac ran through the dry grass while we tried to keep Jonah warm.
Then home for naps, and soon the winter sun was setting on the last day of the year.
The boys loved the fire, and they were happy to stay inside and play with their new toys.
When Jonah gets bored, he likes to stand near Isaac and yell really loud. Isaac gets mad every time.
Jonah thinks it's pretty entertaining.
They both loved Isaac's new stroller for Baby.
We ate appetizers while we fed the boys and then made ourselves a New Year's Eve dinner once they were in bed. What a beautiful place to celebrate.
