Taking it all in....

One of my favorite things to do this time of the year is to get out of the house and enjoy the changing season. I love sunny days with a slight chill in the air. If you add a little wind it's even better.

I happen to have a lovely daughter who is a "Nature Beast". She loves all things living and fortunately loves taking the time to quietly observe what's going on around her. This is something that I think is so important to start teaching our children at a young age. They don't have be crazy in love with nature...nor do you. However, I believe it's an incredible gift to pass onto your child. I just know how much calmer and focused I feel after taking the time to just walk around slowly and take in all that is occurring around me. Listen, look, smell, feel....and taste if you happen to know what's in front of you.

The best part...we don't even have to leave our yard. Sure, taking a walk in fresh new territory is exciting. However, you don't even have to have a lot of time or energy to get out and enjoy nature. It's happening in your own yard.

The past few weeks we've been walking around our yard just checking out things. We've listened to a squirrel complain quite loudly about something bothering him. We've felt the sun's warmth and the cool breezes chasing away that warmth. We've looked at the changing autumn landscape and K showed me her favorite "looking" spot in the yard. We've smelled pine as we walked under the trees and also the smell of our neighbor's fireplace. We've tasted the last of the honeysuckle and hold onto the expectations of next year's bounty.

Here are a few snapshots of our nature walks around the yard. Click on any picture to see it up close the way we did. Wish I could share the sounds, feels, tastes and smells....

Take the time to get out and really experience what's going on around you. Teach a little one how to stand still and use their senses.

It's worth it!!