A Fall Walk

Some days we just need to get outside; out in the forest, or at the top of a mountain, or looking out over the lake. We love exploring and collecting little pieces of nature. And some days, when the weather is just right, or school life is seeming mundane, or the kids are going crazy, we need a little nature therapy to reset us. We are trying to get out as much as possible and enjoy the last little bits of Fall before Winter settles in.  Today is a beautiful fall day, with a slight crisp chill to the air where the sun's rays aren't  reaching. It's Halloween and the kids are so full of excitement for the afternoon's festivities that they can hardly contain themselves. It has definitely been one of those days when we just need to get outside for a while so we took a walk in the forest behind our house. 

Lily brought her brother's balloon, because the only thing better than taking a fall walk is taking a fall walk with a balloon! I love how this little explorer always brings something special on our walks, whether it's her fanciest kitty mask, butterfly or bat wings, or a blue balloon, she always brings something on our adventures. I loved watching this little balloon float around Lily as she ran and climbed and explored, sometimes casting it's blue shadow as the sun shined through it. 

Chase collected sticks as we walked. Sometimes it's sticks, sometimes rocks, but he is always packing his pockets, hands, and arms full of special treasures he finds along the way. 

He has a special love for sticks. By the end of our walks, he has a whole new collection of sticks, each with its own story. This day he found a sorcerer's wand for casting spells, a stick that would allow him to see invisible ogres and trolls hiding in the trees, and a civil war musket. Each stick he finds, he runs up to me, barely able to contain his excitement, with a giant smile across his face, and tells me the story of it as I watch with love and adoration of his imagination and his love of sticks. 

I love that these guys love the outdoors as much as I do. I love that they look at nature with wonder and excitement. I love that they bring home little collections of treasures found out wandering and that they cherish them like they've just won the lottery.