the lloyds: A Nature Walk

The other day, after finishing up school and getting ready for work, I realized it was a FABULOUS day outside. I was ready a bit early, so the kids and I decided to go to the park. We were finished with school work for the day, but I figured I could count this "school" too ..... science .... a nature walk. I didn't tell them that ..... let them think it isn't a learning experience. hehe

We took along the sketch book and colored pencils, and the digital camera. I let the kids take some nature pictures of their own and they each drew some things they saw. Bubby drew bugs and Fancy chose flowers .... fits, I guess.

It was SUCH a great end to a school day and beginning to a 12 hour night for me. It was about 80 degress (cool Fall weather to us Texans), dusk was almost here, the park was quiet and almost empty of anyone other than us, the dragonflies and the squirrels. That one hour in the park gave me peace after a long day of school and the energy to make it through a long night at work after no nap during that day. Being outside can be so rejuvenating .... espeically when the temperature is just right.

Here are some pictures Fancy took:

And here are Bubby's:

(I was impressed he got as close as he did to take that one .... that was a pretty big dragonfly)

I took a few myself:

As we completed our walk around the park and were headed to the car, the kids saw the splash park nearby. My plan was to lay back in the seat of my car and doze off for a bit. Bubby asked (begged really), if he could run through the water for a bit. The Husband was on his way from work to the park to pick them up so I could head to work. We had to wait there anyway. How could I say no? Bubby immediately stripped off his shirt and literally ran right out of his flip-flops and straight in to the splashing water.

You can see by the pics the sun was escaping and it was getting downright cold (to us Texans) .... it was probably around 75 degrees. Add to that some cold water and NO meat on your bones, and you are sure to be shivering real soon. His teeth were chattering within about 10 minutes, but it didn't stop the fun.

Always the comedian - Here he is being goofy and pretending he is in the shower:Sheer Joy: Where is Fancy in all this, you ask? Well she was just too cool (and I don't mean temperature) to play. "I'm too old" is what she told me. "Besides, I don't want to get my hair wet."

So there she sat, on the bench next to me as I sat, enjoying the quiet, the cool air and a good book.But, all of a sudden, like a bolt of lightning, she was off .... the temptation for fun was too much. I think she may have also taken into account that there was NO one else around.