It's the middle of November, and leaves are largely on the ground instead of the trees. (Of course, that may depend on your locale and latitude!) We still find beauty outdoors, though, and we still remember what we love most about nature in all its seasons. This week we give thanks for the warm welcome we received as new members of Hike it Baby, the way this community supports us, the critters and other novelties we discover with the kids, and more. Continue reading for something to be grateful for each and every day this week.
November 11: Kendra Reeder
I’m so thankful for the community I’ve found with Hike it Baby. My son and I both have made so many friends and relationships that carry over after the hikes to play dates, parties and other get-togethers with our HiB “family.” This [photo was taken in] knee-deep snow, 3 miles UP a mountain – hardest hike I’ve ever done, but it’s my absolute favorite trail photo.
November 12: Alexandra Tebow Wong
Because of the amazing women I met through Hike it Baby, I finally have a village. Not only do we hike together, but we also help each other out with babysitting, meals after surgery and illness, advice and support through tough times. We go camping together and actually enjoy ourselves because our kids play together and we get to relax (what a thought!!).
Before I had the courage to show up for my first Hike it Baby hike, I didn't have this kind of support, and living so far from any family was scary at times. We all have vastly different backgrounds, and we are different ages spanning a full decade, but hiking and a love of the outdoors brought us together and is instilling that same love in our kids. Nothing makes me prouder than when my kids pester me, asking when we're going hiking or camping with our Hike it Baby family again.
November 13: Colette Clarke
I am thankful for how much I have grown because of Hike it Baby. My social anxiety used to be so bad that I had butterflies from having to introduce myself at the welcome circle. I've overcome that in many ways and have learned to chat fairly easily with all kinds of different people. Hike it Baby has connected me to a close community of friends for myself, daughter and husband. We have deep friendships that go beyond Hike it Baby now and are blessed with the support it provides us. This is my daughter, Elise, 3, and me hiking the Narrows at Zion National Park in September. We LOVED it!
November 14: Frank Tucker
What I look forward to most about the outdoors is the unexpected encounters with wildlife. Whether mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian or even insect, you never know what you're going to find. I generally try to get a photo and then consult reference books and websites to determine the species and learn more once I get home. I've seen and learned about species that I otherwise would not have known existed.
November 15: Shannon Rinelli
I am thankful for a community that encourages my children to try new things, to embark on new adventures and explore the world around them with a sense of wonder and positivity. I am thankful for a community that accepts us for who we are and whatever our best is that day, even if it means hiking in pajamas with a cup of coffee and a handful of veggie straws at noon. On the days when it feels like our best isn’t that great, our HiB community is there to lift us up.
November 16: Angela Williams
I'm so thankful for this season of my life that includes a lot of nature time. We were designed for nature and vice versa. It's so good to be going with the design instead of against it.
November 17: Patricia Avila
I'm grateful for the serenity that comes from being in a quiet place with just you (maybe your kids too) and nature. I take a deep breath and feel at peace.
"30 Days of Thanks with Hike it Baby" will return next week with more personal stories from members. If you've missed our previous stories, go back and read week 1 and week 2.
During this season of thanksgiving, please take a moment to consider donating something this Giving Tuesday. It can be $5, $10, $50, $100. Whatever works for your family. It all helps and we appreciate every dime. Any donation you make today is 100% tax-deductible. And this year, as a special thank you, donations of $30 or more receive a one-of-a-kind Hike it Baby Sunday Afternoons kid's play hat.
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