the woods

We try to make frequent trips to the woods.  Give the girls a chance to run around and do what kiddos do best - explore.

Most of the time, it's a lot of fun.  We go at their pace.  We make up stories about fairies and gnomes.  We watch geese fly over.  We feed the turtles and fish.  We find 'mysterious' animal tracks.

It always starts with a trek down this super long bridge over the lake.  Everyone walking or running, frequent stops to point out amazing wonders.

Well, everyone walking except for this gal. She always gets a free ride.

But some of our trips to the woods... end like this.  

And of course, this is the trip I managed to bring my camera along.  Everyone whining.  Everyone being carried (even the too-large-for-the-pack-5-y.o.).   

Well, except Audrey.  She can never get enough of sniffing.

 On this particular trip, there were some fun moments of exploration.

But there were more stops for moments like this one.  Nope, she's not playing peek-a-boo.  She's not hiding.  It's her new pouting posture.  She milks it for all its worth.

Then, new energy and ideas would strike, and we'd once again locate our exploring spirit.

And just as quickly, it would wear off and one hiker or another would begin to lag behind... further and further...

Until it just makes more sense to pack it up, call it a day, and let our Littles do what they do best.  On this particular afternoon it was to explore their future calling to the circus.  Tight rope walking.

Face painting.  That sort of thing.

At least it all ended with smiles.  Love these co-conspirator creators.