Family Nature Walk

It started in church. Maksim was out of control - basically being a toddler. He was screaming, throwing books at people in other pews, throwing tantrums. We couldn't get him out of the sanctuary fast enough. We ended up walking all over field by the parsonage. The green grass made it so inviting after months of the dull winter season. Maksim walked and ran all over. Just what he needed to expend some energy. Good thing I brought my camera, because a camera phone will just not do.

We decided to make it a nature day with Maksim - to explore and get to know the world. We described the blue sky, the clouds, the grass, the wind, the pine cones and the different textures of nature. He really enjoyed it. It's amazing that he understands what we're trying to show him.

The beautiful field by the parsonage.

Maksim started stepping on pine cones. I held one for him to feel the texture.
He briefly touched it and then let it fall back down to the ground to step on it again.

Feeling the bark texture of a pine tree.

Here is Maksim's Papa showing and explaining to him what rocks are
and how to pick the flattest rocks to skip stones in the pond.

Maksim sitting on his Papa's lap, learning how to skip rocks.

Maksim walking on the shredded bits of tires,
feeling how squishy they are underneath his feet.
This was at the playground.

My handsome men.
Papa and Maksim walking and exploring.
Maksim loves his Lion Backpack Harness.
He gives it to us and says, "AckPack" to request us to put it on him.
It's absolutely darling.

At the park this afternoon.

My baby boy and I taking a break along the trail to take a picture, drink
water from the sippy cup, and eat a healthy snack.
Mama came prepared.

The trail. Maksim loved walking and running.

Looking at the dog swimming in the pond.

Maksim enjoying the sunshine.

Papa and Maksim on the swing.

My handsome little guy.

Running to his Mama.

On the car ride home we played classical music (my favourite: A Postcard to Henry Purcell on repeat) while Maksim drank his milk. Needless to say, within minutes he fell asleep. The Little Bean was exhausted from our excursion of adventure and learning. Apparently, that's all he needed to get a good night's sleep.

We can not wait until we enroll him in swimming lessons. Dre is excited since he is a swimmer and competed when he was young. There are so many good things to look forward to.