happy trails to us

Miller's not involved in a fall sport this year as I gave him first semester to warm up to the rigorous schedule of Kindergarten. And, honestly pulling in the reigns on a weekend organized activity has freed us up to enjoy our Saturday mornings.together again. There is a twinge of mommy guilt wondering if I'm keeping him from his future college scholarship--only kidding.
We've used this season {of homelessness;)} to make different choices for our family to avoid burn out. It's been a rest season. We're talking , playing {reallly playing}, and trying to be intentional. That's not to say next fall we won't be right back into soccer. But, for now I really feel like we have a whole weekend to play and rest.

Today we woke up and decided to blaze the trails of the Chattahoochee Nature Center together... just because. I grew up going to day camp here and have many wonderful memories of the setting. Since school field trip funds have been cut in recent years because of fuel prices, I'm trying to take every opportunity to expose Miller to some outings. He's at a great learning age where he's appreciating these little educational trips. And, the teacher in me is enjoying it all while I can. I love a good field trip with my kids. Since M's love language is go and do...it's a win win all around.

Budding scientist with the fancy projection microscope. Every detail was analyzed.

Landon took the time reading the maps and animal facts to Miller. Today he learned all about the eagle's talons and curved beak to eat meat. Landon and Miller were acting out the eagle's wing span in flight swooping to chase each other. Oh my, it was a sight that made Eliza Kate giggle.

Beautiful butterfly signs lined the nature walk. Real butterflies followed us on our walk. No fall leaf was left unturned. We paused to enjoy each little aviary along the way.

We packed a picnic and enjoyed a quick lunch by the river. The weather? gorgeous!! With a high of 68, we dressed in layers.

We looped around the exhibits and met a rather cute beaver. Mr. Beaver's tail was the topic of our conversation. This led to a fun little beaver slapping game on the littles' bottoms. Miller played the part of our new beaver friend in action.

Fall vignettes were found scattered here and there. Eliza Kate has been on a month long pumpkin hunt. Here's to wishing it will turn into a carriage for her  to go with her Halloween costume.

A Lincoln log cabin made a fun playhouse.

Miller was the daddy.
 

The kiddos ran and chased on the trails. They definitely blew off some energy. A great goal for a lazy Saturday.

Miller took a wind blown photo of our breezy river lookout point. The fall colors will pop out even more in the upcoming weeks.

Our waving princess greeted the camera 

Miller called this section of decking a pier--and it was more or less. I was a nervous wreck on the sections of patch that had no railings with little ones. Some boards needed repair work so we were careful steppers. We did our best to hold hands. Daddy played a human totem pole to keep EK within our reach.

She preferred to walk instead of stroller cruising on the decking.

Guess who stole her wheels?
Blessed by getting to write these memories on the scrapbook of their lives. It's my hope to hear them talk about the "remember whens?" over dinner in future years. For me, that's the best part of blogging--reliving fun times with our children.