Brothers, Sister, and Brothers

This is the time of year when the fun really starts around here.  Adventures are had.  Memories are made.  And most of our hours can be spent outside in nature. 

Combine kids, a farm, nature, and a few pups and you have the recipe for a fun-filled weekend!  

Saturday, our littles spent the day on the farm with us.  It was a perfect sunny day - still a little cool... a perfect sweatshirt day!  Above is our littlest, perched on a bracket fungi.

We visited the animals,

did chores, 

 and had some make-believe time on the pirate ship,

We took the dogs for a walk to the stream to see what treasures we might find along the way.  First stop was the pond to see the big koi.  While there, Forrest became interested in something towards the back of the pond.  Curious as to what he was investigating, the kids also went over to take a look.

"It's a snake!!!" they cried.

Sure enough, Forrest and this guy were facing each other - the snake poised, ready to strike should Forrest get too close.  No worries, we told Forrest to "leave it" and continued on our way.

Our nature walk to the stream was filled with all sorts of discoveries.

Fungi - big,

and small - 

and even one we had never seen before - a veiny cup fungus (poisonous).

It's fun to explore nature with children - they have such enthusiasm.  Especially for creatures like frogs and snakes and bugs.  One of them found this red insect that looked like a tiny red strawberry with red legs.

The stream is so lovely at this time of year!

It's the beginning of wildflower season.  Dandelions and violets are plentiful.

Also, common periwinkle...

tiny spring beauties...

 trout lilies,

 and Virginia bluebells...

With so many hands tossing sticks, Forrest had a blast running through the stream retrieving them!  He was one tired puppy by the end of the day... and fresh and clean from all of his swims.

Sunday was cloudy and much cooler, but perfect for a much overdue "brothers" play date.  Even after several months, these two (Forrest and his brother Oakley) recognized each other immediately.  They took off, chasing each other and wrestling just like they had in the past.

They are the perfect match for each other, as they both love rough-housing.

A quick treat break...

Can you tell who is who?  Forrest is on the left.

Both boys love chasing sticks - and didn't mind sharing a big one.  It is amazing how much alike these two boys are - both in appearance and behaviors.  They are such sweet boys.  It makes me so happy that these brothers can also be life-long friends.  What fun lives they both get to live!