We took advantage of a beautiful mild afternoon to spend some time outdoors before the temperatures plunge again. It was Gavin's first visit to Blue Jay Point County Park, a great park nearby on Falls Lake with several trails and large open fields. We started off on the trails...

It has been too cold to traipse in the woods for a while so this was Gavin's first time in the backpack in almost two months.

He was really thrilled about it ... honestly ...

We haven't been hiking since Gavin learned to walk so we let Gavin explore a short level part of the path on his own two feet for the first time.

He enjoyed crunching all of the dead leaves and pine needles under his shoes.

I went walking in the woods one day ... in the very merry month of ... January.

The ants go marching one by one hurrah, hurrah...

We brought Gavin's soccer ball to play in the field. Unlimited space for tiny baby legs to walk and walk!

No way you're getting this ball, Daddy!

Gavin actually dribbles the ball quite well by walking behind it and kicking a bit with every other step.

OK, your turn now, Daddy. Show me what ya got!

I'm beat. Let's call it a day, Daddy.