Lyra hiking at Big Thicket National Preserve (10 Oct 2010)

It might be more accurate to title this post "Lyra strolling (strollering?) at Big Thicket National Preserve," but we need to aim high.  Lyra loves to look at trees, flowers, and birds, and she will be a good hiker for sure.

A good hike always starts with a good meal, otherwise, how will you have enough energy for the trail?

                      Lyra in the high chair at Simply Country Cafe in Moss Hill, TX -- one of the top 50 small-town cafes in Texas, according to Texas Monthly Magazine. 

      Lyra prefers to order off the menu. "Excuse me, miss, how are the Cheerios today?"  Luckily, the items on the menu weren't half bad; Lyra soon realized that the grilled veggies and mashed potatoes were her favorites.

While waiting for the main course, Lyra starts with a cheese appetizer. 

The food was delicious: Daddy had chicken-fried steak, and Mommy had grilled catfish. After lunch, Lyra chatted with Daddy: "So, old bean, what's our next stop?" 

"Big Thicket National Preserve, you say?"

"If Mommy wants to go too, then I guess I can't stop you.  "

"Why didn't anyone tell me hiking was so much fun?  Whee!"

"Dad, ask Uncle Greg if he's ever been to Big Thicket National Preserve.  No?  Unbelievable.  And he still calls himself a Texan?"

"Hey Mom -- when you walk behind the stroller, you can't see how cute I am!  Just a public service message."

"Whoa!  It's a double rainbow!  What does it mean?" 

At the end of the trail.  Two miles, about one hour.  Lyra is ready for more, but Mommy (aka the voice of reason) says it's time to go home.  Boo to reason!