Going "Green"

It was very weird for me to not be in school on St. Patrick's Day.  We have never had spring break so early that the day of green was a no school day.  I was kinda bummed that I could not wear my flashing shamrock earings, my large shamrock glasses or my green feather bowa :(  I would have looked rather silly wearing that outside of a school building :) So insteading of sitting inside, we went outside to be in the "green".

It is hard to believe that this very same hiking trail was under water less than one year ago.  In May, we had a devisting flood in Nashville. This picture show some evidence of limbs that were washed into the tree line.

Along the way we stumbled upon a creek.  If you know Boo, you know that he beelined straight for it.  We threw a few rocks in and went on our merry way.  He was all good until we had to cross this......



You can see the look of "not so sure" on his face.  He had to hold mommys hand to get across.  Nine to know that my Mr. Independant still needs me :)

 Here is Nolan with one of the MANY treasures he found along the way.  We did more stopping and starting than the average hiker I am sure.

 I love this picture.  Boo looks like he is having a relaxing stroll through the woods without a care in the world.  My wish for him is that he continues to live his childhood that way.  As a teacher, I see far to many children who carry the weight of their parent's struggles.  Lord, give the the strength and the patience to not do that to him.

 Do you notice the dirty hands and pants?  Well right before this we came to an area of "quick sand"...not really :)  We did happen upon a section that was so protected by trees that the muddy ground was still there...from rain 3 days prior!!!!  We had fun crossing.  Prehaps a little too much fun :)

 On the way back to the car, we had to cross the troll bridge again.  This time around Nolan was brave enough to go very close to the water.  When I say close, I mean he wanted to jump in.  If it were warmer, I would have let him.  Next time, I will remember to bring the puddle jumper rainboots.  As you can see he has sas.  He was great the entire 40 mintue hike, but the last 10 mintues got a little hairy...I caved.  He had a ball dipping that sas into into the creek and then........

 

sucking up the water.  Gross I know.  The creek was moving so I assumed there was not harful bacteria growing.  Boys will be boys :)