I hope you all had a great holiday season! This winter has, thus far, been unseasonably warm and we've had ample opportunities for outdoor shenanigans. However, I will say that I am very happy that the Winter solstice is behind us and days will be growing longer now. Darkness falling not long after 4pm is a real drag for everyone.
For A's birthday, we went canoeing (per her request!). The high schooler that helped us unload the boats said, "I thought y'all were crazy for reserving canoes today, but it has turned out really nice!" The temperature was over 60 degrees. Most importantly, no one fell into the Harpeth River! It was neat to canoe it in late Fall because the river was much clearer than it is in summer. We were told that the cold weather kills the algae. Indeed, I saw more fish (and some rather large ones!) on this canoe trip than I've ever seen on our multiple summer canoe trips.
What with the early sunsets, we've gotten plenty of nice golden-hour photo ops.
R1 on the Cumberland 
C at Cornelia Fort 
R1 doing her Junie B Jones impression. 
Get it, R1! 
At Radnor Lake
My brother finished up his Marine tour of duty and was able to visit us on Christmas weekend. We were really glad they made the drive out and enjoyed hanging out and walking the pedestrian bridge. C busked while we walked around Lower Broadway and earned her rent for the month (just kidding).
R2 wanted to climb ALL the things. 
The only way we can get photos these days.
On Christmas Day we hiked Stone Door to Big Creek Gulf with our friends Bert and Alicia. The only thing better than hiking is hiking with friends!
R2 did walk at least a mile or so, to her credit. 
Stone Door Stairs 
My backpack was wiggly! 
What's that?
