Ever since she is a tyke, granddaughter, Virginia, has always loved being in the great outdoors. It's no wonder, then that she asks her Papa and me to take her to Umstead State Park, an almost 6,000-acre sanctuary located between the cities of Raleigh, Cary (where we are staying in a condo), and Durham, NC. She has been there on numerous occasions with her family, but they use the entrance closer to their home in Raleigh. Loblolly Trail is not only new for us, but new for her, too!
As you can see from the sign above, this isn't a loop trail, so we decide to walk in for forty minutes, then turn around a walk back, knowing that by the time we pop out at the parking lot, it will be lunchtime, and the Chick-fil-A down the street will be calling our names.
Some autumn color still remains in the leaves.
Lovely ferns were growing everywhere!
Virginia is so enjoying herself!
Virginia drops back to walk with the slow poke, and Danny snaps some photos.
I still can't get over how much this "baby" has grown!
And what would any family outing be without the obligatory selfie?
Looks like a wonderful place to go for long walks. You all look so happy. We have such wonderful woods to go for walks and enjoy the many birds and fowls that nest there. We walk round the big lake - takes about an hour to walk all the way round.
ReplyDeleteGod bless you and your family always. Happy Advent.
I'm so glad to know, Victor, that you all have a place near by to go on long walks and enjoy God's creation. There's nothing like it! Happy Advent to you!
DeleteLove and blessings!
And I suspect she wanted time with her grandparents as much as she wanted to hike a new trail!
ReplyDeleteYes, she did, Glynn. Virginia stayed with us every night we were there, just like she used to do in the "old" days.
DeleteLove and blessings!
She is definitely no baby anymore. Sounds like you all had a wonderful time. So glad for you.
ReplyDeleteVirginia is definitely not a baby, Bill, and I'm delighted with the young lady she is becoming. We had such a wonderful week together!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Thanks for the nudge to get outside, Martha. I find it far too convenient to be cozy fireside, inside ...
ReplyDelete;-}
I hear you, Linda, especially when the weather gets cold, but fresh air always does one good.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Dearest Martha Jane,
ReplyDeleteHah, you had me look up the word tyke... A small child, especially a boy.
Never heard it and still am puzzled since Virginia is a girl.
Walking on a trail in beautiful, hilly woods is a joy and so healthy.
Loved your 'WeFie' at the very end!
Hugs and wishing you a meaningful Advent.
Mariette
I've never heard that the word "tyke" couldn't be used for both girls and boys, Mariette. Thanks for pointing that out!
DeleteYes, we had such a fun walk together - such great memories.
Love and blessings!
🤗
DeleteWhat greater joy than a walk in the woods! So glad you guys had a great visit!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
This was one of our favorite days, Lulu. There is no greater joy than being with family in God's creation.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh Martha, she's growing so tall -- and even lovelier! Thank you for blessing us with these beautiful images. Makes a body want to launch into song, "This land is my land, this land is your land, from California to the New York island ..."
ReplyDeleteOh, how I love that song, Myra! One of the first I learned to play on guitar and sing. Yes, Virginia is a bit over 5'1", so almost as tall as I am at 5'3". Hope she will keep growing!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, Martha, how lovely that you and Danny not only get to treasure these kinds of moments with your grandchildren, but the memories you are giving them that will last their lifetime! She is one blessed young lady! God bless you!
ReplyDeleteShe is our treasure, Diane, that's for sure. Not that the other grands aren't loved, too, but we spent so much time with Virginia in her younger years that we are more like second parents than grandparents. These are memories we will cherish forever.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Boa tarde Martha. Parabéns pelas fotos maravilhosas. Um passeio muito lindo e especial.
ReplyDeleteA very special time, indeed, Luiz. I always enjoy the photos of nature you share, too.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Your Virginia is so beautiful and SO GROWN UP!! Oh my goodness, how does that happen so fast?! What a lovely place to hike and enjoy God's splendor!! Thanks for letting us come along!! Happy weekend, Martha! xo
ReplyDeleteI must agree, Terri, that Virginia is a beautiful young lady, and is growing up way too fast. We truly enjoyed this special day together, and I'm honored that you enjoyed coming along with us!
DeleteLove and blessings!
So enjoyed the photos. It's been amazing watching your grands grow into young adults it seems like. What a journey; and oh, how I love seeing you and Mr. Danny pouring into their lives. What anchors to have, Gramma, Papa, and Christ.
ReplyDeleteJ. D., I'm so glad you enjoyed the photos here. We do pray to be the anchor of Christ in our grand-girls' lives. Mom and Dad aren't taking them to church at the moment, though they are believers, too. Covid hasn't helped in making that decision. My feeling is that they really need a Christian community in their new location as a family. I will keep praying!
DeleteLove and blessings~
God's beautiful creations.. I 'm the walking slowpoke too.. always so much to see to rush it!😁😉
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, and may God bless and keep you and all whom you love safe and well.
Prayer hugs, Shaz in Oz. X
{Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
PS meant to say thanks too for comments on my post. Youre always such a blessing as licketty split out of the blocks! Appreciate it so much.
DeleteYou are so welcome, Shaz. I'm glad you enjoyed this post here.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings!
Walking in the forest at any season brings me lots of fun and discovery. I can hear the sound you walk on leaves.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful? Such a great way to spend our time, immersed in God's creation.
DeleteLove and blessings!
Nothing better than a day outdoors in the sunshine--especially when it's enjoyed with a grandchild or two! Thank you for sharing the joy with us, Martha!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the post, Nancy!
DeleteLove and blessings!
This looks like such a lovely walk and time for all three of you. So glad you and papa have been able to visit. Blessings, Martha!
ReplyDeleteWe're so thankful for this visit and time with family, Karen. Nothing like it!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Oh, I missed this one!! What a wonderful walk with your lovely Virginia! I know you all treasured every step of that walk. I sure would. So glad you all were able to spend that special time together.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad I didn't miss your comment, Pam! Yes, what a magnificent walk we had together. Oh, how I miss her already!
DeleteLove and blessings!
Virginia is a beauty. I love seeing your loved ones. What a wonderful time you had. Oh Chick-Fil-A, we should own one when we do not feel like cooking heeheehee.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Anne, for your kind words about Virginia - she really is a beauty, inside and out. And don't we all love Chick-Fil-A?
DeleteLove and blessings!