Day #14 in my
#31days of Exploring God's Creation Series-
I'm bringing back an older post from an adventure a
little while back. It was such a lovely nature experience
I wanted to make sure it was included in the #31days -
(and we are off on a new adventure so I had to put it
together fast) I'll be back with brand new pictures from
our brand new adventure tomorrow-
I've shared an article each day in October so,
please hang out and browse a little!
The #31days series was started by brilliant bloggers from -
"The Nesting Place" and
"My3boybarians"
Psalm 42:1
"As the heart panteth after the water brooks,
so panteth my soul after thee, O God."
As the deer panteth for the water,
So my soul longs after you.
You alone are my hearts desire,
And I long to worship You.
Our week this week started out with a pretty cool experience.
72 degrees cool - to be exact!
It was a great way to get out of the heat.
We visited "Kelly Park" at Rock Springs Ridge in Apopka
just outside of Orlando.
(Big brother is in Alaska on his big adventure- so I took the little guys on their own)
We met some of the resident turkeys- I love that the boys
get so excited about wildlife- like I do!
After a little picnic- it was time to try out our
$3 rental tubes that we picked up at the little place on the corner
of Rock Springs Rd. and Kelly Park Rd.
(It's a family owned spot where they also sell barbecue-)
These pictures aren't the best
they were taken with our handy underwater camera!
We headed off down the quaint boardwalk .
It took all of 4-5 minutes to walk it.
along the way we saw native flora, a big Golden Silk Spider
and enjoyed the shade
of the Oak trees with Spanish Moss dripping from them-
This is the area where I grew up-
near the Wekiva River & it always brings me back when
I see the landscape.
It never ceases to amaze and enchant me.
We arrived at the head of the springs and eased in to the
crisp cool water!
The water was so breathtakingly clear and reflected just
enough of the blue sky.
Even with a clear view I kept the boys close by.
Adventures are wonderful - but only if you pay close attention
and are sure to put your families safety first.
Every body of water in Florida is apt to attract alligators-
no matter what anyone tells you- it is just a fact of life in Florida.
I once had an outfitter tell me that there were no gators on the river because
the water was too cold for them at 72 degrees.
Bologna
If it's not too cold for people - it's not too cold for alligators!
The fact is - the parks rope off the designated swimming areas and
it is most likely that the savy alligators will
stay in areas where their fishing isn't disturbed by people.
Like I said- the view was clear and I paid attention.
We had a great time.
Fortunately, the boys are well trained and they know that if there
is any hope of seeing the wildlife- they have to be quiet and keep a close watch.
The above photo cracks me up because they are both looking
different directions- but they are definately looking.
We've trained them for "wildlife viewing" since they were toddlers
It's just "how we roll"
and as we rounded the next corner. . .
We made a new friend.
She had come down to the stream for a drink.
She seemed as curious about us as we were of her.
She calmly watched as we floated quietly by.
If the boys had been hollerin and splashing around- we never
would have shared this moment.
They have had some pretty awesome experiences because
they've learned to go quietly into the woods. . .
like real explorers on safari - we make it an adventure!
Yes, he was looking the wrong way-
That's my boy!
He finally did turn around and get a good look at her.
Isn't she beautiful?
We love homeschool
*I highly recommend Kelly Park - that being said- I wouldn't ever go on a weekend.
As you can tell from the photos - we mostly had the place to ourselves on a weekday
when most people are at work or school! It was perfect.
The experience cost me all of $11 - we brought our own picnic- although, there are
concessions at the park as well - and a beautiful pavillion for parties!
Clicking the pavillion picture below will take you to the parks web site:
And, by the way- my 5 and 6 year old pointed out more
bugs and spiders and various species of birds
than I could identify!
They told me all about what they eat and the various habitats they prefer.
They sketched in their "Nature Journals"
and did some writing and copy work.
Our big science project for the week came
in the form of a 3 inch scorpion
they named "Larry"
(Spongebob anyone?)
Larry now graces the corner
of my kitchen counter-top in his own little home.
They are learning all about him
and have surprised me with what they already knew
like that scorpions find their prey using vibrations from tiny little hairs
located on their legs.
doing their own scorpion study.
(No, you don't have to actually have one as a pet)
We have Captain Daddy to thank for ours!
Thank you honey. No. Really.
I'm thankful for all of the above!
I'm excited about our family homeschool this year - I just know God
has good things in store for us. I am praying over the boys and over our
school as we head out on our adventures seeking to learn more about His
creation . We are His children, His family , He wants to bless it!
Are you praying for your family? If you have a special prayer request- just
let me know and I will join you in praying for them!
Job 35: 11
"Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth,
and makes us wiser than the fowls of heaven."
Thank you for visiting! Y'all come back now- ya hear?
Other #31dayers I think you'll enjoy:
Mandy- Biblical Homemaking Heathalee-ButterflyGenes:
Melanie- Only A Breath Amy- Missional Mamas Soul
Amanda-ImpressYourKids: Coleen-MuralMakerandMore:
I'd love to hear about how you connect with your family out in the great outdoors!
