Scavenger Hunt

It has been about a year since we first took Tate to the nature reserve. As it worked out this time, I had the day off and Dave had been invited to a lacrosse boy's Eagle Scout ceremony, so we decided to make an adventure out of it. I had seen a variety of ideas for scavenger hunts that are completed on a walk, or at the mall, or the grocery store; where ever is needed to keep a little one interested. I decided since Tate and I would have about an hour to kill while Dave was at the ceremony, we would have our own nature scavenger hunt. We made a list that included words and pictures, for easy identification. The following were on our list (due largely in part because Mama could draw them):
* rock
* straight stick
* caterpillar
* bug
* wiggly stick
* leaf
* water
* really tall tree

Checking the list.

There was a pier that Tate was not even phased by last time we visited. This time, I had to use some extra creativity to get him off the pier. He kept looking into the water to see the "big fish, Mama!"

This was the face I got on one of the occasions I mentioned for us to "go back on land and find your treasures!"

I read this face as: "Yeah, I'm not going over there."

Mine and Tate's ideas of what constituted a "rock" were some what different, but major props to my son for staying true to the list. He only kept a rock (and he kept plenty) if it fit in the rock drawing on his list.

Making sure the leaf passes inspection. It too was match to scale against the list's drawing.

While we did not get everything on our list, Tate seemed to be into the whole, "let's find stuff on a list" idea, and would ask to go on a "cavenger hunt"  for the next few day...

Touch-a-Truck

We went to Touch-a-Truck again this year, much to the delight of a certain 2 1/2 year old. And let's face it, the delight of a 29 1/2 year old as well. Dave's office is located downtown, about a block away from where this takes place. He was good enough to call us to let us know Touch-a-Truck was happening. I kid, but I am really grateful he called as I had been wondering if the city was going to be putting it on again. You may remember we were introduced to the event last year, and again as you may remember, both boys thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

This is the back of an 'ATF Truck', which stands for Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms; as in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, (and since 911) and Explosives. This was by far one of Tate's favorite trucks, due mostly to the fact that he was able to wear a helmet.

 This is in the back of a sheriff's squad car. He kept asking me to "go away, Mama. Shut the door". I kept telling him, "this is your only time in the back of one of these. Ever."

This would be in the front of the sheriff's squad. Much better. Although about 13 years premature, but hey, it's better than the backseat.

"Don't take my lacrosse stick, Mama!"

Tate has totally fallen in love with lacrosse. The other day, he was almost inconsolable after Dave left for an away game that we were not attending. He. Was. Distraught. He really loves it. He has his own lacrosse stick, which he is constantly inquiring about; where it is, who's car it is in, if we have any lax balls. Due to the crazy-ness of our schedules lately, and some unfortunate weather, last week was the first time Tate and I were able to make it to a game. Two games, in fact. So when I told Tate that we would go see Daddy's team play this afternoon, he was beyond excited.

There were four other young gentlemen, within the ages of 5-12, who were playing their own "game" of lacrosse with a tennis ball. It was like Christmas came early for my son. I attempted to remind him about personal space, to remind him that these kids were already playing a game, and gently remind him that he may be a bit too little. For he looked so tiny compared to the four boys, my mama eyes were observing. 

"No, I big, Mama." my sweet boy attempted to convince me, as he stood on his tip-toes.

Thankfully, it was warm out and Tate needed a water break, otherwise I do not know how I would have gotten him away from the mini lacrosse game. Actually, I do know. I would have picked him up, with his verbally protesting that he should be able to continue to play. As was the case five minutes later.

And note, apparently firemen play lacrosse.