Worms and Toads, just no ticks please

We have begun what I hope will remain a tradition for a while... Saturday morning hikes. Bridger and Myra both have strong little legs, and Sawyer hangs out in my backpack until he falls to sleep so we can last over an hour. Our focus though is discovery, not distance. It is great family time, Bridger loves it, Myra is always a good sport, and we can connect with nature and enjoy being together. These pictures are from "Little Difficult Run Stream Valley Park" trail. We had a great time digging up worms (I say "we", I should say "Bridger and Myra with the help of Devin"... I just watched, and took pictures). They were the longest, fattest, grubbiest earthworms I've ever laid eyes on. Then Bridger found a toad. Early that morning, Bridger remembered that he wanted to find a pet so he brought a container in the car with that special purpose in mind. So... we then brought "Leap" or "Hopper" whichever name you prefer, home for some games of hide-and-seek and such. And I'm happy to report, that after careful building of this toad's home, he escaped alive!

 

 

 

We love where we live. In our neighborhood, within a half mile of a walk, runs this stream. This is our go-to place when we need to get out of the house. The kids love wading up the stream catching tiny fish and crawdads.  

 

Going along with the outdoor beauty theme... I've been running a lot lately. Early, super early, in the morning. Which means my headlamp is on when I leave the house, and its still needed to shine brightly when I head home. Running in the dark means I miss the beauty surrounding me, so when a day comes (for instance, Saturday) that I can run in the light I am blown away! And I can't help myself, I have to pause to try to capture it on my phone. The pictures never do justice to the beautiful reality, so you'll just have to trust me in that. Drinking this kind of beauty in is heart happy... definitely good for my health. ;-)

I love sunrises (preferred over sunsets), it may be one of the reasons I like starting the day with a run. When I reached this lake it was incumbent for me to jump into yoga love for a couple sun salutations. Arms high to embrace this morning. Brilliant and beautiful!