Week 6 One Year Nature Study Adventure

Due to a very busy weekend we didn't get to take our nature walk on Friday last week, so we went this Monday. I'm glad we waited because the weather was perfect, it was beautiful, and we walked in the rain for awhile. A short walk in the rain is good for the soul. At least I think so and the kids seemd to think so too!



Week 6 Nature Study adventure
The kids in our first photo each week.

I love that we have kept up on this photo each week. I love having a shot of all my kiddos, and I am excited to see all of these pictures lined up side by side after a full year. I can't imagine how much they will change over this next year.

  

My boys, discussing the pond creatures in depth.
Or maybe just talking about the two turtles sun bathing on the log.

 This week we saw three turtles sun bathing on logs out in the pond. The kids always look for the turtles, but until this week we had not had the pleasure of seeing them.



We found these two hiding among the grass along the creek.
I love the bright green of the duck's head and the green grass in the background.

I love that each week we have seen some wildlife, and that each week it's been a different animal or little creature that we see.



To walk along a gravel path with the swish of the leaves beneath my feet is one of my favorite sounds.

This new path we found a week ago, is quickly becoming my favorite. The overhead covering of trees, the stream along one side, the gravel path and leaves covering the ground, and the way the sun peeks through the trees in just the right places, makes it absolutely beautiful, and perfect. I could walk this path all day.


What is fall with out some falling leaves.
You must take time to toss up an arm full of leaves.

I love this picture. It's not very clear, but the idea comes across and it reminds me how easy it can be to find the joy in each day the way children do. A handful of leaves tossed in the air, and everyone is smiling. The older couple that came up behind us couldn't help but smile and laugh as they watched the kids. 


My little explorers!
They too are really enjoying our weekly nature walks.



Lady Bug and her awesome shadow.



Looking at the changing trees with such a bright blue sky in the background reminded me of how much life changes.
Yet, that no matter what we are facing or struggling with, there is always a big and bright God just above us to help us through. Just like these trees, even though  they are losing their bright and colorful leaves now, they will be renewed and made bright and green and full of life again in the spring.

 

Lady Bug and her baby brother.
Well, 5 year old baby brother that is.

 This picture of Lady Bug and Little Man makes me smile for so many reasons; for the joy it gives me to be so blessed as to watch my children grow, the memories my children make with each other each day, and for many memories like this I wish I could have had with my baby brother. Time is so precious, cherish each moment.

The Grandfather tree.
This is the 100 and some year old tree.

 We love this tree. The kids climb up on Gramps (tree nickname) each week. The picture truly does not do it justice. I could not get the whole tree, which it very large, in the picture no matter where I stood without stepping into the pond. It really reminded me of a grandfather too. The strong center trunk with so many steady and giving branches, many reaching out and covering the smaller trees and walkway as a protective grandfather would do. Even the way the kids are drawn to this great tree and how they are not happy unless they have had their turn sitting in just the right spot...by themself.
Reminds me of my Granddaddy and Grandpa.

We all love the changing of the trees, but I love to see the changes in so many of the different shrubs and plants each week. To me, even in their dull browns, they are just as beautiful as the trees with the golds and reds.

The snow capped mountains through the changing cattails.

As much as I have the itch to move right now, I don't think I could live without waking up each morning and seeing my mountains. Being able to step outside and see them off in the distance, reminds me this is home.

Gramps, has a tattoo of sorts.

 After we found this heart carved into the tree, I found myself wondering how long it had been there and if  J &C were still together, and what their story was. If trees could talk...


Our tree.



We end our nature walks with a stop at "our" tree. Though I think Gramps is more our tree than this one. Yet, I still make sure we all stop and notice the changes from week to week.

Another wonderful nature walk.

Six weeks and still enjoying each trip.

This may be the one project in our homeschool that will benefit us the most.

Ready for fall!

I have never been one to enjoy the hot weather. This fair skin, red-head, does not do well in the heat! Not-At-All! I do believe I was never intended to live where the temps, at any point, make it above *80! Nope, not me! I think I would do quite well in, say, Alaska, Greenland, maybe Iceland!  Ok, well maybe not somewhere quite so cold, but I could definitely handle cooler temps year round! Unfortunately the rest of my little family enjoys the warmer weather.  

The last few days have been fairly hot, for Colorado, and have been sitting in the high 90's. Since we live out on the plains (desert like if you ask me) it gets pretty warm. And with very few trees to help shade the house we basically bake for much of the summer. 

With my patience of the heat just about gone, I have been thinking of fall quite often. Fall is my favorite time of year! I love having the windows open and feeling that cool crisp air blowing through the house. And I love being able to play outside with the kiddos until sundown and not burning up in the sun or being eaten up by swarms of Mosquitos. 

With the excitement of fall inching closer and closer, I have been thinking about and craving pumpkin bread. I decided that tonight instead of waiting for fall, we were going to make some pumpkin bread. So even as we heated up the already warm house with the baking of bread, it is a welcome sweet smell. Now, we are going to enjoy our fresh hot pumpkin bread...in front of the air conditioner. 

 

Who else is ready for fall? 

What is your favorite season and why?