Back in the woods!

Emma and I have been getting out into the woods the past week, rediscovering some favorite old spots and uncovering new ones. Taking a familiar trail off the parking lot led us to this interesting fallen tree...

Which from one side is a window.. 

And a climber on the other side! 

Across a small bridge as we go deeper into the woods. 

We missed the turn towards the "big bridge" over a stream but instead wandered further down stream to a magical spot dappled with sun, with still pools of clear water, mossy stones, and gatherings of minnows. Emma wasted no time tearing off her shoes and wading in. 

 

Up stream, down stream, and all around stream we went. We saw a few small frogs hopping away from us, playing hide and seek. After about an hour of exploring I sat down on a delightfully soft, old, fallen tree and watched Emma continue to splash and squish in the mud. Wanting something to do with my hands had me picking off strips of bark from my natural bench and poking leaves through small holes which I drilled with my pocket knife. Instant boat. 

Emma loves boats.

I made a few which she cradled, wading through the water, then set loose in the gentle current. Soon she was at my side asking to try her hand at making a boat, so I handed her a large piece of bark for her to break a piece off of and instructed her how to use the knife safely. Obviously I couldn't take pictures of this part as I had to supervise closely but it was a nice moment between us, and for Emma to be given the responsibility of using this tool. She did great! 

Shortly after, Emma suggested we go to the "big bridge" as originally planned so we grabbed our bag, shoes, and boats, and headed up the hill back to the trail. Just before reaching the trail we witnessed a Red Tailed Hawk swoop down into the leaves just on the other side of the trail. It seemed to have missed its target but it flapped up onto a fallen tree that was leaning up the hill, and waddled up to the top. Nature abounds! 

For when the hawk was out of sight and we continued on the trail, Emma found a young toad. She scooped it and said hello, then set it down off to the side of the trail. What a difference from last year, or even at the beginning of the Spring when saying goodbye to a captured creature was almost too much to bear for dear Emma. I'm trying to help her keep in mind that part of loving these creatures is respecting their lives and what they need, and their wildness. It's a tough lesson. I still want one of everything in my own home or on my property. ;-)

These are our boats at the big bridge, with Emma, almost frantically, chasing after a boat she tossed into the current. The one that got away!

Shoing up before we go. Coming back to this bridge brings back memories of a baby Emma and I on our first ever adventures. 

This little girl right here!

Emma's Fourth Birthday

The night before, we set up a special place at the table for Emma with a base of wildflowers gathered from around our home, and her chair decorated with ribbon she picked out. I hung the bunting I made for her before she was born, that hung above the crib she never used. I hung paper streamers from her bedroom door leading down the hall to the kitchen hoping it would lure her out in the morning for a surprise. What I didn't count on was her waking up, excited, at 2:30 am and calling me down the stairs asking, "What is this? What's this ribbon? Why are there balloons?" 

I said we would see in the morning.

And when morning came, this was ready.  A delicious "fruit Pizza" (thank you Pinterest) 

A sugar cookie crust with cream cheese sauce and fresh sliced fruit on top.

And a piece of the Edible Arrangement from Granddad and Coco. She was so excited to receive it the day before, with three balloons attached and delicious chocolate dipped pineapples. Hey, you only turn four once!

The edible arrangement from the day before:

We went to the playground and splash pad in Peekskill to cool off. Emma brought her new Tortoise, Tortle.

Cooling off with a dragonfruit banana smoothie (was supposed to be icecream but the dragonfruit had too much moisture, so... Smoothies! )

 

Once Daddy got home we hung some water balloons for Emma to poke at, this was interesting!

And a special treat after dinner, Strawberry Shortcake with four glowing candles to celebrate the four wonderful years we've had together, and welcome in the one ahead. 

We love you, Emma!

Four Tomorrow

So much has changed in the last year, inside and out. All around us. 

Tomorrow is Emma's Fourth Birthday and I'm just in disbelief. It's gone fast! Our baby has grown into a strong, caring, imaginative, social, and absolutely wonderful little girl full of joy and creativity.  We're amazed and impressed by her daily and can't wait to see what Four has in store for her.