It’s no secret that I’m a coward when it comes to cold. I’ve already spent this week firmly planted in the house by a fire, and try not to leave the house unless the temperature reaches above 50 degrees.
Last week we (thankfully!) had a couple of warmer days, and we took advantage of them by going out to The Forest–our name for the local national park.
I love to go here, not only because the boys’ imaginations run wild, but because mine does too. Growing up, we had no “forest” but a few trees at the edge of our property. But I would go down there and pretend the trees were multiplied a hundred times over so I could be lost in the woods for a while.
I had the older boys stop here and take a picture like I do every time we come. Yes, he’s closing his eyes on purpose.
Jeremy’s aunt made these hoods for us, and they are simply perfect. They’re so warm. They’re foxes, but the boys call them their Bear Hoods.
Ephraim takes every opportunity to be silly. “I’m sorry, Mama, I was just trying to be funny” is a common phrase in our house.
Poor Anselm was the most frustrated he’s ever been on this trip to The Forest. It’s the first time we’ve gone since he’s been able to walk steadily, but the uneven terrain means he falls often and can’t keep up with his brothers. He was super crabby the whole time we were there, and was not amused in the slightest at Mama’s attempt for a group photo.
Those poor little faces! Clive was so upset that Anselm wouldn’t cooperate and just hold his hand.
Mama perseveres, though, and it all works out in the end.
Ok, enough pictures. Let’s go to The Forest.
The boys are in their element here. Sticks, pinecones, sand, dirt, trees trees trees. We saw two deer cross on the path in front of us. We stop to pet friendly doggies being walked by their owners. Ephraim hunts Bad Guys and tries to stuff as much pine needles into his pockets as he can.
Notice Clive’s bruised forehead? Oh yes, yet another head bump for Master Clive. This one was gained by roughhousing in the sitting room and face planting on the tile.
It hasn’t slowed him down.
Anselm gets fed up fast and spends most of his time sitting. Darkness begins to fall quickly, so we turn around and head back to the car. I have to carry Anselm most of the way. The walk back is always the very, very longest.
We still stop for one last dig in the sand, though.
GranMaggie says
What a wonderful day! Those are precious memories in the making!
Erin says
They love, love going there. Hopefully next time we go Anselm will be able to keep up a little better.
Jeremy says
You capture them so well. What a treasure for us and them.
Erin says
Thanks, honey. 🙂