A ( long ) day of nature

The other day after the kids finished their school work for the day, I decided to take them down the road from us and explore the woods.  There are some wonderful nature trails and even a lake and river mingled with the forest.  Samuel packed up his dinosaur backpack with baggies for collecting anything interesting we might find and water bottles and a few snacks.   I brought along my big camera bag and our nice camera with hopes of capturing some nature pictures.  I was so hoping to find a birds nest with baby birds since it has been so spring-like here this past week.  ( We didn’t spot one nest, though! )

So, the kiddos ran and had a great time for the first 1 1/2 hours.  We climbed trees and each of the kids took turns being the leader.  Samuel really did not like following his younger sisters, though.   He kept saying he knew of a short cut and tried to be in charge.  It worked for Sarah but not for Sophie.  ( Sophie has a take charge kind of spirit. ) : )

Samuel had been collecting empty papertowel rolls and he used them for animal/bird calls.  To our delight, the birds started answering his call.  He is a little nature boy and he was definitely in his element.

Collecting treasures.  Aren’t boys just great?!

Her little rosy cheeks and the look of contentment on her sweet face … I find such pleasure in Samuel, Sarah and Sophia.

We climbed down steep rocks to the shore of a small river.  I was telling the kids to not get stuck in the mud when I noticed these beautiful yellow flowers all by themselves,  growing in the middle of muck.    I immediately thought of how at times we are surrounded by “muck” – sometimes it is because of our bad choices and sometimes it is just what is dealt to us ….  but no matter the circumstances behind the muck, we can flourish because of God’s never ending mercy and love.   We can be like these flowers and grow even if the circumstances around us are muddy and grim.  We can bloom where we are at no matter what because we have God’s promises!!!

One of my weaknesses is that I have next to zero sense of direction.  It is right up there with my geography skills, I am afraid!    So, after about 1 1/2 hours, Sophie starts getting tired and she wants me to carry her.  I have my big camera bag so that wasn’t an option.  So, I said, “Okay – let’s head back to our car.”  I looked around and had no idea where we were.  My husband and I have joked often saying that if I go exactly opposite of what my instinct tells me, that is the right direction.  I should have heeded to that on this day.  We WALKED AND WALKED AND WALKED for well over an hour and we came to a hill.  Samuel points and says, “Look Mommy – there’s Prisma! “  Prisma is the grocery store I shop at which is miles from our house.   I had forgotten our cell phone at home.    So, this is the final picture I took for the day as I told the kiddos we had been walking for the past 1 1/2 hours in the wrong direction.  The kids slumped to the ground and took a break.  We walked MILES to get back to our car.  The girls both fell asleep at 6:45 pm for the night.    I asked them yesterday if they wanted to go exploring again and Sarah said, “Will Daddy be with us this time?” : )   I think I may have to earn back their trust!