READ THE SIGN MAMA!!!

Yes the all capitals mean I am yelling. I never yell.

Today started out fine enough. We had a 4H field trip to a state forest to listen to a ranger give a class on products we get from wood. (some were surprising too!) It started to rain so we went under a big picnic shelter and the ranger tried to build us a fire...unfortunately the wood was too wet. The sun came out shortly after the talk and we all had a nice lunch together. THEN we went for a hike. I like hiking as anyone who knows me can tell you. My children (generally) really enjoy it too. Here was the sign-

But did I take heed to the warning? Did I even consider that maybe...just maybe the walk would be too much for the A~man? NOOOOO! It started out allright. Z~girl ran ahead with the others which is fine as I have known this group for years. Slowly...with each step A~man and I got further behind. Then the wining started, then the tears, then the screaming, and then the refusal to move one step in any direction. Well when you are hiking there comes a time when you are not sure if turning around will be shorter or finishing the trail. He was screaming/swearing awful things at me. (who taught him that? some were made up swear words ;) He was saying I was pulling his arm off and similiar ghastly things. I wasn't. When I let go of his hand he had a fit when I took it he had a fit. Then he sat. Meanwhile I'm texting my hubby like crazy as I am wondering if he may need to come rescue me...uhhh ...I mean us. It was out in the boonies though and the texts were sporadic. So sporadic that my hubby was starting to worry about us. One of the other moms came down and offered to give him a ride on her back. (heheeh he is 85 or so pounds) I threatened not to bring him to the next 4h field trip.....I bribed him...I begged him....I PRAYED. Finally, somehow we made it back down the mountain. Here is the next sign. The sign I SHOULD HAVE maybe considered-

Aww live and learn eh? He cheered up at the bottom and we finished the trip with the kids playing in the old helicopter the state park has. Oh and at the end of the trip what does my young man say? Mom I love you. Today God taught me another lesson in patience and unconditional love. But man I'm exhausted!!