But who'd of thought that a nature walk would turn into a genuine adventure?
Sasha had taken the kids into Brown Deer Park for a walk through the woods before, and this time we all went for the hike. We walked on logs, picked up sticks, climbed hills, interfered with disc golf games, and Alya had her first outdoor bathroom experience. Standard stuff for a walk in the woods.
Then our trail met this bridge:
True adventure!
And that kind of changed things. Alya was a little scared to cross it. I was nervous that some of the boards were weak. And the gaps were large enough that either of the kids could have fit through and there was some water under that bridge. A thrilling crossing, indeed.
Yes, we made it without incident. Yeah, it probably wasn't a big deal. But we still didn't take that route back.
Instead, we follow a trail that would "complete" the circuit and bring us out on the other side. Except that pesky stream the bridge had crossed was still around and still containing water. So this trail sort of gave up the ghost at a bend in the stream. No bridge in sight, nor stones to make an attempt at keeping dry.
It all kind of reminded me of Blair Witch Project. But neither Sasha, nor I are that stupid.
So she slowly herded the kids in the direction there "should" be a bridge, while I scouted ahead to make sure it was there.
I scampered along the stream bed, trying to spot our way out when I think I see salvation - a golf cart bridge that was perhaps 30 yards away. And then I saw what lay between us and the way out. The stream had forked, and this fork was cutting off the way out.
As I got closer, I could see the bed of the fork did not have any obvious water, but the question of mud remained. So I grabbed a nearby stick and started prodding the leaf covered bed. It was soft in spots, but otherwise dry enough.
However, when we had regrouped to cross it together, Alya balked and didn't want to walk along it. Maybe my speech about how to cross these things made it a little scary, but it was another experience that she didn't want to do along. So she was held and Marcus carried, and we made it across the bridge, out of the woods, and into the clear blue sky.
With two tired little children who couldn't bear to walk anymore.
We found adventure and triumphed. And it was good.
***
So, I've been really bad about blogging lately, and a lot has been going on with the family.
Alya had her 3rd birthday party, which was a three day celebration filled with cakes, princess outfits, and a few presents too. Good times for the little squirrel.
Sasha also had her birthday, which was a celebration that started after her brother's birthday party the day previous and ran off to a round of golf and a trip to Elegant Farmer for fall goodies.
And I went with Alya on a Pumpkin Farm trip with her school. Lots of fun for her and I, even if I forgot the rule of "Don't let the kids pick a pumpkin they can't carry."
Since all of this was neglected, I'm going to cheat for the following week.
Starting after this post on Sunday, there will be a picture (or two) and a short blog entry every day this week. Really. I mean it. I'm doing it right after I publish this one.
So come back and see the BSer thought of the day. I will not promise a big week wrap-up at the end, but the thought is nice.
Be seeing you,
Jon
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