Helper Heart

Yesterday we went on a "hike" at Tryon Creek. Malia happily jumped out of the van, sporting her sweet ladybug backpack, and was anxious for an adventure. Within two minutes of our hike, she bit the dust. On a very bumpy, gravelly path. Even after kissing the owies better, she didn't quite have the same enthusiasm for the trip. So, we tried to find lots af distractions along the way (I wasn't about to head home!). Quickly we found a giant snail crossing the trail. Malia was engrossed...for about thirty seconds. Then she wanted me to carry her. On occasion, I do sport the "super-mom" look: Damon strapped to my back, with Malia clinging on my front. But I wasn't about to do that on this trip. So it was on to the next mini-marvel. We saw lots of dogs, plenty of birds, and I think 6 GIANT banana slugs. They are awesome. One of those unfortunate souls hadn't made the cross-trail trek successfully and had been unpleasantly discharged under someone's shoe. Upon seeing this squished slug, sweet Malia exclaimed: "we need to help him!" .....if only we could. Later, while pointing out some of the awesome trees, I said: "Malia, look at that tree that fell over! Check out those roots sticking out in the air!". Again, her response was (and it was with genuine concern): "we need to help him!".