Weekend Adventure-Slowing Down

We went to Mt. Charleston yesterday to celebrate Memorial Day.  We packed a picnic lunch, the boys and Tulip(our new puppy) and headed out early...or as early as we could.  We thought it would be fun to do some hiking, biking and ride the chair lift up the mountain(bringing the bikes was a bad idea, we ended up walking them and carrying them most the way).  Both boys did really well on the trails and especially enjoyed gathering pine cones and balancing on the tree that was to the side of the hiking path. I have started to call Brekkon Turbo, because at times his slowness really tests my patience.  Today was his day, he was steady, focused, rarely feel and had a lot of fun.   

Through the hiking uphill and then down the steep hill after riding the lift up was a perfect learning opportunity for Tukker:  sometimes slower is better.  This was hard for him, because as most of you know Tukker runs...everywhere.  He always wants to race, be first and go fast.  I have not the slightest idea where he gets this from!  When he began to speed up and not pay attention he would fall.  He might trip over a rock or slip down hill because he was not focusing on the steps he was taking but the people who where in front of him. It didn't take long until you could really see the wheels turning in his head as he made more calculated decisions about where to step and go. He even picked up a stick to help support him as he navigated down the mountain.  I'm always excited when a learning opportunity is presented through natural consequences.  They really seem to completely comprehend after an experience like that.