Favorite Places

When the kids were little, the oldest were about 6, 4 and 2 years old we belonged to our first coop. There were four families, all with homeschooling plans and similarly aged kids. We planned activities that ranged from gymnastics to crafting to art. The kids loved it, as did the mums. We also planned a series of field trips which we opened up to a larger group of homeschoolers. I organized some hiking outings to a few different natural spots. We visited these different spots during the different seasons, so the kids could see the same area changed through the seasons.

Ever since that coop we have tried as a family to visit our favorite natural places during each of the seasons, giving us the opportunity to observe the changes and see the beauty in the different stages. Today we went back to a favorite park, on a trail we are beginning to know well. As we round different corners I can hear the kids shouting out, "the rock slide is just up ahead" or "the stream of many waterfalls is around the corner". They are beginning to claim it as part of their world, know it on a completely new level.

It was a wonderful hike. Shai is getting to stage where he walks more than he does ride in the toboggan (there is barely enough snow in the woods for it now). His comfort zone for exploring is growing and he often wants to do it without me. There was lots of mud and water to tromp through and rocks to climb. Only one person fell in and only one close call at the waters edge.
And that sunshine. Truly. Magical.