December Nature Walks

Although the weather is more seasonal now, we had some absolutely incredible days at the beginning of the week. We went out to the woods one lovely afternoon and enjoyed the December scenery.

 We explored paths we couldn't explore earlier in the year, when the thick foliage had barred our passage.

 

And we brought back some fallen twigs and pine cones, which we used to create a gumdrop tree scene. Em had the idea to use the pine cones around the bottom as underbrush.

Hiking Adventures

El: "Mom, I think that's a brain. Just keep walking."
Me: "No, it's cool. It's from a tree."
El: (seriously panicking) "AH! Mom, no, I think it just moved! Get away from it. I really think it's some kind of brain or brain plant." (?!?)
Me: "Calm down. Look. There are more hanging off that tree over there. It's okay."
El: "Oh, WHEW. Okay. Wow. I'm sure glad it's not some kind of brain."