Nature Lovin'

Spring is like a mischievous toddler this year. One minute you think it's just a little too quiet out there. But when you investigate further, there's actually a million little things happening all at once. Next time you have a bit of cabin fever, try finding a pretty park and collect wildflowers in a basket. Or slip off your shoes and feel the shock of creek water between your toes. Or stand tall on a tree stump to look for birds in your backyard. I can't tell you how invigorating is it. In the afternoon we take two hour naps with new freckles and smiles on our faces.  

Lately we have been finding any excuse to grab our bug-out nature bag (for a toddler this means a bug collecting kit, a small basket for nature collecting, some bottled water, and a few snacks) and race outdoors. For Little Butterfly, the outdoors is full of fairy dust and magic. It's the place that can kindle her curiosity, and allow her the freedom to jump, shout, and run as fast as she wants. For me, the outdoors is like finally getting my pressing Dear Abbey questions answered. It literally squashes my fears, and rebuilds my confidence. Just a few months on the other side of a very difficult emotional time, all this wonderful exploring has me feeling a bit like mischievous child myself. 

Only in all the best ways.