Where boys can be boys

The winter days have been warm this year. Ben has asked about snow several times, but it doesn't seem that snow is likely this winter season. This will be the first year in many that we haven't seen snow. But the wonderful part about warm winter days is you can play outside much longer...and much less restricted. With this in mind, I asked to borrow Jackson for the afternoon, and headed out to some nearby walking trails to let the boys get some of their adventures out. Boys at this age require a certain amount of running around, exploring, and climbing. This is non-negotiable. I didn't make the rules, but I am learning them. And loving them. So Ben,

Jackson,

and Noel

(and me too!) all went for a walk in the woods.

“Not all that wander are lost.” -- Unknown

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” -- John Muir"

Each fresh peak ascended teaches something."-- Sir Martin Convay

"Climbing is not a spectator sport." -- Mark Wellman

"Doubly happy, however, is the man to whom lofty mountain tops are within reach."-- John Muir

"One does not climb to attain enlightenment, rather one climbs because he is enlightened." -- Zen Master Futomaki

Noel discovered playing in the leafs for the first time!

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the Autum tree." --Emily Bronte

A leaf battle of epic proportions occurred!

"One of the best things in the world to be is a boy; it requires no experience, but needs some practice to be a good one." --Charles Dudley Warner

It was a perfect outing.

I was already feeling grateful for the time when Ben and Jackson hopped over and took a seat on this bench. I noticed the sign as I was snapping this picture. (The little plaque in the bottom corner) It says, "Dedicated to all the parents who have lost children."

I took a moment to think of those parents. I took another moment to be silent and observe these two beautiful children playing so happily and one sweet baby with big eyes.

I am so blessed.

Ben has been asking to go back to the "friend trails" every since. So have I.