Nature

Confession: I don't particularly care for the great outdoors. I enjoy being outside, but it has to be on my own terms. For example, the idea of camping sets off all sorts of alarms in my head. No shower? No toilet? It's not to say that I couldn't do it. I could. But I would be fairly miserable to be around. Steve would probably love to go camping, and I have told him that he is welcome to go. Alone. Because even he will admit that he would probably have more fun without me.

Another example: hiking. I have tried to like hiking. In fact, I have tried several times. For five years we lived at the base of a mountain with well maintained trails. It couldn't have been more convenient and picturesque. But for some reason I just can't enjoy it. My mind would start to wander. (Do you think there are bears around? I know there are rattlesnakes in this area. What do I do if I see one? Wait, I don't even know what a rattlesnake looks like.) So I have this anxiety and then it is combined with the fact that it just seems like a slow, awful trek to see a beautiful sight for five minutes before trudging back down the mountain. I know this sounds just awful and pessimistic, and I have tried to change it. But I can't. I don't like hiking. I would rather go for a run if I want some physical activity. (And yes, I know this seems a bit backwards.)

It is this attitude that made me laugh out loud when someone suggested that we join our local nature center. And as it turns out, I couldn't have been more wrong. Our local nature center is awesome - even for faux lovers of nature such as myself. It has some great trails through the woods (that aren't too long or hilly), an amazing playground that is built right into the side of a hill, some cool exhibits, and a cute little farm with a variety of mainly barnyard animals. It is incredibly kid and family friendly and our membership has paid for itself about sixteen times over.

This morning we headed to the nature center for a few hours and had a great time. First we took to a trail or two:

Then we had to set up for the obligatory "Hey we're sisters and we're having a great time!" shot. It didn't work out so well.

Here is Caroline having a fit at the suggestion that she stand next to her sister and try it again.

Here are the ladies learning about the local birds:

And here is Caroline's first attempt to slow down the trip. She tried to make us stay by the bird sign by sitting down, so we left without her. She called our bluff and lost.

Lesson learned, right?

No.

Here is her second attempt to stop:

I will sit on this bench and you will have to stay with me.
Hey, where is everyone?

We eventually made it to the playground.  I failed to get a picture of the place itself, but it is great and has a lot of different activities for kids of all ages.

Steve putting Lucy to work. Unfortunately, she didn't really understand the
physics of the swing and it came back and nearly knocked her into the rocks
behind her.

Loving the slide.

We decided to push it a little and head to the barnyard area to see Caroline's favorite animals, the horses. (What's another public meltdown among parents, right?) First we checked out the pigs, llamas, cows, and donkeys. Then we headed to a place that we ALWAYS go to: the wooded area right by the chickens with rocks and sticks to play with! Every time we go to the nature center (or pretty much anywhere for that matter) the girls have to stop and play with sticks.

The horses were next. Although they normally come right up to the fence, today they were eating and uninterested.

When Caroline made a third attempt to sit down and stop the Soden train, we knew it was time to leave.

So we saw the bunnies and the otters on the way out and headed home to eat lunch.

It's official. I love nature*.

*As long as it is in "center form" and doesn't actually require me to hike or go to the bathroom outside.