Exploring the natural world

One of the great things about where we are living right now is the opportunity for the kids to just go outside to play and explore creation on their own - and with their awesome dad (that's me).  We love living in the city and know that is where we are called to be, but we have always enjoyed the great outdoors.  The kids also enjoy being outside, even in the colder weather.  We have learned to keep our eyes peeled for deer while driving, walking or eating dinner. Not too mention the birds, squirrels, raccoons, owl (heard not seen), red tailed hawks and even some tiny fish (we think) swimming under the ice in the creek. 

 

The morning after it snowed we found a trail of deer tracks and followed it as long as we could. We never found the deer but we did find that Isaiah was pretty good at tracking. Ellie is good at following the leader.

 

 

 After turning back towards the house we followed another trail of deer tracks and along the way identified some new tracks.  Savannah identified the as raccoon tracks - which we think is correct.

 

Over the weekend we were eating breakfast when a handful of deer walked past the back deck. After watching them, and them watching us, we tried to get them running to see their "white tails" but to no luck.  We don't intimidate then.

 

  

Our hosts added some additional bird feeders around the house for our bird watching enjoyment. We do have some pretty birds but the squirrels kind of hog the bird seed.  At least they have some good gymnastics skills to observe. We also don't intimidate then.

 

 

And the best part of our natural world and God's creation is...people! Created in God's image to know Him and make Him known.  And check out these great people who have apparently all learned to smile at the same time and with open eyes!