Oak Ridge Prairie

Today we finally had some nice weather and took the children to the park. The weather has been so unpredictable and cool that we really have not had the opportunity to get the children out to the park. Well... today was that day! With clouds looming, we loaded up the vans and started out while praying against the rain.

We went to Oak Ridge Prairie, a nature reserve that is about 30 minutes from the home. There is a nice playground, many nature-walking paths, and a fishing pond. The children walked and ran down the first path enjoying the freedom and fresh air. Even though this park is in the middle of a town, when you are inside it feels like you are out in the country. We started on a second path when the park attendant said that the ticks were out, and we shouldn't be on that path. It was funny that at the mention of ticks, the children and staff stopped dead in their tracks and ran back to the first path. It was too funny seeing them shake out their clothes and look for the little bugs.

We walked back to the playground and then went around to the pond to see what was out. There was a few people fishing, and they all said the fishing was poor because it was cool and cloudy. The children found a big ol' toad under the ramp to the dock. They were just amazed at the toad and kept looking at him until he jumped away. I love to see the wonder in children's eyes over the smallest of thing, like this toad. They are so adventurous and willing to learn so much. They are truly God's children.