*note: I really want to document everything we've done in the last month, so you'll be seeing a bunch of catch-up posts.

Way back in September, we managed to take a beautiful hike into the woods with the Bloomquist clan. The maples were in full-dress at the time. With cloud-free skies and a warm sun, we hiked to one of our favorite spots in the national forest: the Marengo Valley Overlook.

Driving into the woods on sunny back-roads

AJ & Alden at the Marengo Valley Overlook

Dropping rocks into the Marengo River

Hangin' in the sun, watchin' the river

Ridin' in style: Alden gets a little help on the way back to the car.

The hike is just a short little jaunt (only a couple of miles to the river and back). Alden impressed us all by walking nearly the entire way. If we haven't taken you on this hike yet, we'll gladly do it the next time you're visiting!