The Nature of Children

August 30th, I could wait no longer, we pulled out the fall decor. Bring on apples, pumpkins, and changing leaves. I've read they expect the color this year to be the best in recent history......Blue Ridge Parkway is on the top of our 'must do' list! This week we also went to a nature center we haven't visited before. It was a really fun morning with the kids! They enjoyed playing and exploring the center and then we went for a real hike. The trail was rough and it was up and down hills in the woods in 94 degrees for a mile. It took us almost an hour, but Isaiah made it for all but about 20 paces and the big kids did great! I love seeing them enjoying the outdoors.

 A mantle is the single best place to display seasonal decor, in my opinion!

 Becca's artwork....I was impressed, this took her all of five minutes to whip up.

 Thursday morning turned into a sensory/science morning with water beads, vinegar, baking soda, and finger paints.

 Isaiah's reaction to see the vinegar hit the baking soda was priceless.

 Why not go all in and get the messiness done in a single setting, right?

 Latta Nature Preserve

 Kids play area...with a "Bob the Digger Tree House" ( Isaiah loves Bob the Builder episode about tree houses)

 Vines and ropes for swinging through the trees.

 More fun in the woods.

 Rocking climbing wall.

 Anyone for tea?

 Need I tell you how impressed he was with the box of snake skin?

Levi was impressed with the 'swimming turtle'. We also saw little blue tailed skinks

 running around outside.

 Isaiah faithfully toted his emptied gatorade jug with him to collect sweet gum balls, which he refers to as popcorn.

Big sister to the rescue when little lets gave out....this only lasted a few paces, but it was enough to refresh him so he could trudge onward.

 Self-proclaimed leader for the day and his trail map.

 Pointing at the wrong things, but he has confidence in himself. ;)

Beautiful woods.