As winter approaches, we enjoyed autumn’s fleeting fireworks display.

My husband and I take turns each week planning a little date. Only real rule is that we will devote some time to spend together to focus on us. And if we don’t get a babysitter for the little man, then we focus on our family and having fun together.

This week was actually my week to plan, but Ben was the one with the stellar idea so he went again this week. He took us to Tanglewood Nature Center where we enjoyed a little collection of various animals on display. It was fun showing Landon the snakes and fish, but I was most mesmerized by a case filled with bees busily working on making honey. It was just sitting there in the middle of the room  and we almost missed it. So now I must research the whole bee thing.

After our trip through the displays, we walked one of the many trails surrounding the property and enjoyed the fall grandure that comes but once a year and doesn’t last nearly long enough.~

Landon really seemed to enjoy the ride – the very bumpy ride over leaves, branches, logs, and deep mud. Everything is an adventure and he was taking it all in.

Ben and I seriously have a thing for Birch trees. We love the contrast between the white trunk and the black branches. Add the fall factor and we are practically drooling. . . well at least I am.

This is NOT a tree that you want to fall into. We couldn’t believe the thorns. They were both disturbing and beautiful at the same time.

~

Along the path there were markers nailed to the trees to distinguish between the various trails. It seemed that they had been there for quite some time by the looks of how the trees were growing over them. Near the end there was a marker that was all but 1/4 ” swallowed up.

~

 Trail marker humor. Har, har.

We enjoyed taking in the vibrant colors in the leaves. From the bright solid red to the spotted variations of red, green and everything in between, we enjoy pointing things out for each other to enjoy.

Well all of the walking that Ben and I did must have really worn Landon out because he fell asleep even as the trail was still quite bumpy for him. Such a sweet little babe. (collective, “awwww”)

This seemed to be a perfect spot for some quality time with your honey. If it hadn’t been at the end of our journey or so chilly we might have stopped for a spell.

~

We had a wonderful time walking, chatting, pointing out God’s beautiful creation, watching Landon experience new things, breathing in that particular autumn fragrance while getting a little exercise at the same time.

Here’s a challenge for you to stop the busy pace, and do something leisurely and explorative to beautify your life. It’s a choice.