Six Maile Chix

This year for our Daddy Day, we decided that we would hike the Y in honor of the love that he has for his Cougars as well as in honor of his willingness to do hard things. It worked out perfectly. We started heading up, hoping that we had timed it well so that we could see a beautiful sunset once we reached the top.

I was worried that we had bit off more than we could chew. We packed a bag with our water and some muffins so we could have a treat at the top and took off running, literally. Ane started running up the side of the mountain, and no matter how I tried to convince her to conserve her energy she wanted to run. And much to my surprise only caught a couple of rides along the way.

This was a shot of my shadow as I carried the backpack along with a dozen balloons tied to my pack for the girls to write on and release later. I have to admit, it looked a bit odd...almost like I was wishing that the balloons would carry me to the top. :)

Here was the champion of the Daddy Day hike. Eva has NEVER walked anywhere without letting us know that she was displeased with the entire walking process. She grabbed herself a walking stick and just led the way. She made it to the Y first and was so proud of herself for what she had accomplished. The more we walked the more I felt such strong emotions at the symbolism that this hike represented for us.

It was at this point that I was hyperventilating because that is a ledge that they are standing right in front of. I suppose hiking up a mountain means there will be ledges, but they always manage to take my breath away. The view up there was so spectacular, and I couldn't help but think of the view that their Daddy can see. And our view as his girls continues to expand too.

I know this picture is blurry. But by the time we headed down it was quite dark. But I couldn't help take this picture of our two oldest with their arms around one another.

This night was such a great way to remember our Dad. We love you Naki.