Nature Center

We had planned to go to the zoo again this past Saturday as one last fun activity before the start of school but Timothy, who really wanted to come with us, couldn't get away until later in the afternoon which would have left us with no time to do Wild Africa like we had wanted. We debated going without him but then decided we'd just do a celebration of surviving the first week of school and go this coming Saturday instead. But we still wanted to do something fun so we stuck close to home and went to the nature center for the afternoon. It has been way too long since we've been there. The kids had a great time--especially Spencer who didn't remember anything about it so it all seemed like new to him. The kids always want their picture taken on this big rock outside of the center. But is was really bright that day so we coudn't really get a decent shot. Kendall couldn't stop squinting, Lynnsey's eyes were watering, Spencer and Kaya wouldn't even look at the camera, and Taylor tends to avoid being photographed at all these days.

This tree stump is also always a big hit.

There is always a lot of milkweed this time of year so Taylor and Kendall went on a search for Monarch caterpillars. They found one that they decided to adopt and bring home so that we can watch it make and then hatch from its crysalis in a few weeks.

As we were heading into the interpretive building, I spotted some movement near our feet and realized that a little snake was enjoying the warm sunny porch. When he realized he had company though he was very upset! Taylor was pretty convinced that it was a baby massasagua rattlesnake, so we decided it would be best if we kept our distance. I tracked down a student worker in the center who said snakes weren't her expertise so she wasn't sure what kind it was but she came out and managed to get him off of the porch with a big stick. He didn't like it much and ended up striking at the stick several times before the girl could get him off. That was a pretty exciting adventure for the kids.

Inside the building we enjoyed looking at a variety of turtles. Spencer's favorite was this one.

"Look Mommy, I have turkey legs!" The please touch table is always fun.

We went out onto the back porch to enjoy the view of the river. I'm not sure how I feel about those changing leaves on the opposite bank! Summer can't be over yet!

After examining the trail map, we picked the trail we wanted to hike and set out.

Over the bridge....

And into the forest.

There were lots of exciting climbing structures along the way.

Even Taylor finally consented to look at the camera.

Lynnsey and Kaya decided to take a little break along the trail. Mommy needed a break too because Kaya wanted nothing to do with walking.

We ended up walking just a little over a mile. It was really beautiful and lots of fun. Spencer was very excited to hear a woodpecker off in the distance. Sadly, we didn't see any wildlife though. Can't imagine why we wouldn't with five noisy kids running along the trails! I'm sure that it would be a completely different experience to hike through there without children. We may have to try that sometime.