Fall Hike

We decided to take a drive on the Alpine Loop to see some fall colors. I brought only some light snacks and water so we could get there while the sun was still up. Ray brought, no, not Marcelo's backpack carrier, but folding chairs. And also stadium folding chairs. Yes, the kind that have no feet. I guess he planned to maybe sit in the parking lot, surrounded by cars and outdoor restrooms rather than nature?

And off they go like Hansel & Gretel.

So, we pulled over and decided to stretch our legs briefly since we weren't adequately supplied. We started venturing down a little path with the kids and since Marcelo was doing so well walking, we just kept going. Luckily, we at least had the wrap in the car for Chucky Baby Peter. This turned out to be Marcelo's first real hike. He only fell down once and it was from a standing position, albeit it was quite the smack down. He somehow managed to get the toe of his shoe stuck on the log he was standing on and sort of snapped himself down to the ground. It was kind of funny, but I didn't laugh --until later. I did put that puffy vest on him for a reason. I'm always planning ahead.

We also did a practice shot of a family portrait to see if everyone could manage to look at the same thing all at once. It was marginally successful. Although, Chucky Baby Peter seems bound and determined to display his boredom and disdain for nature.

Now this picture deserves a bit of a back story. (Click image to enlarge). Ray once told me how when he was a boy, he wanted to be a ventriloquist (this is not even one of my mean ideas -it's true). He wished and wished his dad would buy him a ventriloquist doll from the Sears catalog, but he never did. Now, I am happy to say, I have fulfilled that wish for him and its name is Marcelo. Note also the strange troll attached to his chest.