Do you know how to really slow down and enjoy a two block walk to the creek on a warm spring day?
Let the 15 month old walk all on her own!
I had plenty of time to take pictures of all the colors and fun things I was finding.
Who knew landscaping rocks had so much color?!
The sight of duck weed might be disgusting or a pain for some people but I LOVE frogs and turtles and they thrive on this stuff so TO ME seeing duck weed means that the sound of spring peepers in my backyard might not be too far away!
And just as Avery was given freedom on the walk today she was given some freedom at the creek as well!
The girls had a blast working side-by-side today. And there are actually insects and little critters all over the place for us to catch! So fun. Yay for spring!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The Nitty Gritty!
Letting go of some of the control that I normally have over Avery is a challenge. She is not ready for much freedom but some days it is fun just to see what she will do with the small amount of freedom that I give her.
Today she did okay on the walk, only veering off to head toward the street a few times. Luckily she was not too worried about keeping up with her sister which I thought was going to be a big issue, causing tantrums and running induced falls.
And at the creek when I sat her down next to the water and showed her how to dip her net SHE DID GREAT! She listened when I told her not to stand up. She listened when I told her not to put her feet in the water. And she listened when I told her not to try and shove Sam in the water! She just sat and played, splashing and laughing with her sister.
But today will probably still be a fluke kind of event. It will be rare that I have the patience to let her walk anywhere right now. And it will be rare that I let her that near to water, with no lifejacket and without my hand planted firmly on her somehow. She is still just one!
what a great day!!! :) such pretty pictures!!! so glad it was a wonderful slow paced walks those are always so great!
Posted by: Nature Trails and Nature Tales | 04/07/2011 at 05:27 PM
My youngest is definitely a wild one. But something happens when we spend time in nature. He seems to connect, to calm and to not act as insane/unsafe as he might otherwise. Here's hoping Avery is the same. :)
Posted by: Debi | 04/07/2011 at 08:47 PM
Love it! This is why we have to drive to preschool every day. And we still never make it on time! LOL
Posted by: Mama Pea Pod | 04/08/2011 at 02:58 AM
Good on you for letting Avery do her thing. Its so hard letting them have that bit of freedom - especially when they are so little. But I reckon its good for them (and for Mum too!!) to see what they can do on their own.
I love walking at the pace of my girls. On my own I tend to stride along, thinking of other things.
Yesterday I walked my 5yr old to school after a rainy night and we strolled along noticing the beautiful spiderwebs all strung with gorgeous rain drops.
Lovely :)
Posted by: Meg | 04/08/2011 at 04:15 AM
This is great. I've been reminding myself to just "be" lately and this is why!
Posted by: gina | 04/08/2011 at 04:59 AM
Walking with a toddler can be so much fun! I think a walk around the block takes us about 35 minutes simply because every rock, blade of grass and flower must be poked, smelled and talked to. We still have a lot of trouble keeping our son from bolting into the street, but each time we venture out it gets easier and easier. Such beautiful photos - thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kimberly | 04/09/2011 at 11:27 PM