Naturally

 

With frigid winter temps starting to give way to the feeling of spring, I'm trying to get Asher out into nature more. He is otherwise squarely a city kid, and the past few months we've been bundled up slogging our way to school or the local Y, or else holed up at home watching TV. 

But every child needs some fresh air and green space. Though we live in very urban area, outdoor opportunities abound, if only we'll take them. There's a bird sanctuary just steps from our house, which is dead space behind a bunch of homes that the local community association has fixed up with bird feeders and seating and even a little mini-trail. 

And then one weekend, I took him to Morris Arboretum, and was pleasantly surprised when he didn't complain about all the walking and in fact seemed more interested in exploring than in getting back home. Having braced myself for whining and a short visit, I then too relaxed and savored the beautiful natural scenery as well as seeing Asher get into it too.

Nature's good for you, this we know. Nice to be reminded of its soothing effects on our littlest. He's a city kid through and through, but even and especially that means time climbing trees and hiking up hills is all the more to be savored.