Pure Sweetness

 When in Kentucky, we never miss an opportunity to visit Bernheim Research Forest.  Every time we go, we experience something new.  Each new season brings it new beauty. 

 The nature center itself is a pleasure to explore.  You can sit on a log chair, listen to wind chimes, hold a turtle shell, press your nose against a fish tank, and giggle when you learn what "scat" is.

 When mamaw can join you, the experience is much, much richer. 

 On this visit, the natural blocks were the highlight.  The were just the right size for little hands and little imaginations.  They created a "beautiful castle".
  

 Snuggling up with mom.  Pure sweetness.

 Kissing statues.  Just weird.  

 One of the goals of any walk into nature is the quest for a "secret spot".  This trip did not disappoint, as we all crawled through the branches of a tall tree.  Within the low branches was the perfect opening for magic. 

 We built a "campfire" and "roasted marshmallows", stuck our tennis shoes in the water,

 took photos of those we love,

 and climbed branches. 

 Bernheim is doing the valuable work of "restorying the land". 

 Our morning was perfect.  We strolled, we ran, we climbed and were enchanted. 

Claire was duly impressed.  Her favorite part?  Running at full speed across bridges.  Most pictures of her were taken from a DISTANCE!  Occasionally she looked back to be sure that we were keeping up. 

"I only went out for a walk and finally concluded to stay out till sundown, for going out, I found, was really going in."

~John Muir