If you know us at all, you know it's not that unusual for us to go on a hike in the woods just for the heck of it, but this particular hike had a purpose. The story goes like this...
Josie and I have been taking a music class every Wednesday at the CFEC since she was about 9 months old. My new work schedule, Carissa's new schedule and Josie starting school forced me to take Fridays off instead of Wednesdays so that meant the end of music class and a switch to art class. Carissa took Josie the first week since my new schedule hadn't started yet and here they are with one of their sunflower crafts from that day.
The next week I took Josie to our first art class and it was "bird week". Not only did I get a firm but loving "talking to" by the teacher (LOL!) for "helping" Josie too much during her project, but Josie had a complete panic attack when she got paint on her hand ("EWWWW...wash my hands now.") Then we went outside to feed the birds and Josie lost her mind when she got her barefeet in the grass. My reaction was pretty close to "AHHHH! Where did this city kid come from?" So, we resolved to get her buns into the great outdoors more often. Hence, the emergency trip to Miami Whitewater Forest the next day. And - phew - our little urban-chic enjoyed every minute of it.
Exhibit A: Skipping down the path -
Exhibit B: Exploring nature with Lou -
"There's a ladybug Daddy"...
..."Get it"!
Here's the video with the ladybug. I *LOVE* the look of surprise on her face when it flies away!
Exhibit C: Getting her hands dirty, picking up rocks and things along the trail -
Exhibit D: "Listening" to nature, because when you're two and someone tells you to listen, you have to physically hold on to your ear to remind it to do its job -
Exhibit E: Getting in a little exercise -
Exhibit F: Happily hiking back up the hill -
And, grabbing a quick cuddle while watching the red pandas.
Oh and I should probably introduce all of you to "Chompy" because he's Josie's best friend on the planet. (Thanks Grandma!) He was a souvenir from our Florida trip and you never quite know what's gonna stick. Honestly, I think it's the fact that she can literally drag him around by his tail, but whatever it is - he goes everywhere with us - including the zoo.
And I'll leave you with this adorable video of the new baby cheetah at the zoo. Besides the fact that Josie thinks Mama Tigers give birth to the baby cheetahs, it was really cool! Enjoy!
