Battery woes

This was it. Today was the day. Clear blue skies, warm temps and the leaves turning color but not yet dropping (much). I had my directions, lunch and snacks packed, toddler and self dressed -- I was ready to go hike some new trails and take some stinkin' cute fall pictures of Sofia.

We navigate to Tryon Creek State Park, hit the trails and arrive at a bridge. She peers over the edge, sunlight lighting up her hair while she wonders aloud where the water is going. I'm all ready with the camera, she strikes a smashing pose -- and the battery is dead. I should've known.

Camera aside, we had a delightful outing, the first of hopefully many hikes wherein she actually hikes more than she rides in the backpack. And, of course, since being out of the backpack puts her much closer to the ground, this hike resulted in...

Slug Watch 2010!

First there was the squeal of delight when she realized this long slimy thing was moving. THEN, she spotted the antennae and it was love.

"Hi slug. I'm Sofia. He's so CUUUUUUTE!"

This was followed by a long conversation in which she determined the slug was hungry and wanted apples and green beans, and then a discussion regarding where the slug's mommy was.

Give me this ANY day over...well, just about anything.