Ox

Many of you will be excited to know that I will no longer be traveling the JMT alone. I now have a new friend to go with me! His name is Ox. Ox is an Ugly Doll (http://www.uglydolls.com), though I think he is quite cute! 

Here's a little background story. When Maddock started Transitional Kindergarten I bought him a little Ugly Doll keychain for on his backpack. We already had a couple larger Ugly Dolls at home, so when I saw a small one perfect for his backpack, I thought it was a cute idea. Well, the tradition continued and the next year he got a new one for his backpack for Kindergarten and Callum also got one for his backpack for preschool. 

As I was preparing for the JMT, I thought it would be adorable for me to have one as well. But not just any one, one that THEY picked out for me. I called home and ran the idea past Bart, and he thought it was also a great idea. Together, the three of them picked out the perfect little guy for me. 

Ox arrived in the mail a few days ago and I put him on my pack right away! He looks pretty good hanging there. I hope he puts a smile on someone's face as I leave them in the dust (or, as they pass me… which is the more likely scenario). 

 

Today I took Ox on our first hike together. He's a pretty good hiking buddy! He's nice and quiet and he doesn't complain. He is a great listener and doesn't judge me when I complain. I think I'll keep him around! 

I wanted the boys to feel like they were a part of my trip as well and to know that I will be thinking of them every day. This seemed like a really fun way to do so. I'm looking forward to taking pictures of Ox and I together on our adventure. Maddock and Callum will be sure to love seeing all the places we go and hearing our stories!