This is how Sam responded when a sweet older couple asked him how old he was on the trail today. We hiked the Lanikai Pillbox trail and this time I let Sam go as far as he wanted, then choose the turnaround point depending on how he was feeling. He made it almost all the way to the third bunker – past the point even most casual/tourist hikers venture. We talked all the way about what we saw, and a ladybug landed on his neck to give him a kiss. We decided we’d study ladybugs for “freeschool” later. I don’t know much about ladybugs, I just know I’m happy to see them patrolling my plants to ward off (or eat!) the bad bugs that grow so readily here. It was a warm day with a good breeze. We went for smoothies afterwards and he’s still napping three hours later! Truthfully, he wasn’t that worn out by the hike – I watch him carefully for signs. Even after longer hikes he messes around at the end, jogs to the truck, pulls and jumps on me after getting smoothies and is in good spirits. I would have to say he’s in pretty good shape to do the 2 mile hike with about 750 elevation gain. He also regularly runs (jogs!) with me when we go out on the marsh trail and he chooses when to get back in the stroller for a ride. Usually that’s at the 3/4 to 1 mi point. I’m impressed for such a little guy (well, actually, such a big guy – he’s 40″ now and 38.5 lbs).