The Great Outdoors

We took our first hiking trip as a family to the top of Tsukuba Mountain. It is about a 2 hour drive north of us. The hike was only 4200 meters or 2.6 miles round trip, but it was quite steep, so we got a good work out. Maika did very well in her carrier, but she got quite a few concerned looks and comments from older women. Other than there being a mass of people on the trail, it was a very nice day. In the evening there was an illumination of the fall colors which was pretty.
Maika had a check up a few days ago and is now 62 cm or 24.5 inches and 6.1 kg or 13.5 lbs. Some days she is very needy and wants to be held all the time; other days she is independent and can just hang out by herself. Today is one of those very needy days. Thankfully the Lord gives us the patience necessary for these moments in life.

Hiking Tsukuba Mountain with a unique moment; there are no other people.

Near the top. Can't say this is easy to get used to.

Break time for Maika on the way down.

Keeping warm in the evening.

Hanging out in my birthday suit.

Maika in Her Bumbo

Since baby goats are some of the cutest creatures on this planet, we measure cuteness with the "baby goat cute" scale. As the blessed parents of Maika, we feel that she is "baby goat cute" and of course want to share her cuteness with the world. Maika enjoys sitting in her Bumbo chair, especially in the morning. After waking up, she is quite energetic and ready to be part of everything that is going on around her. Today she helped Erik with the laundry; she sat near by, keeping an eye on what he was doing.
We included Maika's thoughts with some pictures to let you in on her side of the picture.
Why are you always pointing that camera at me?

I am so tiny.

I am so big.

Hello, are you just going to leave me here in the hallway?

When I am tired, my head gets really heavy.

My dad was a cluster of grapes for Halloween at his school, and he thought I would enjoy being in a picture with him.

I got to watch the World Series with my dad. Next time I sure hope St. Louis makes it.