A fishin' we will go!

We had another fun session in the forest today. We went to the Grappenhall woods for some minnow catching. The children weren't very successful at this, those minnows are quick little buggars! One of the other mothers, Dina, managed to grab a few for them to inspect, though, and we found a few water beetles for the buckets, too. They also played hide and seek in the trees (Chickpea will someday be able to play hide and seek without giggling maniacally and giving her place away but not anytime soon, I don't think), picked and ate blackberries and made little bark boats to float in the water. Also, Dina, our resident foraging expert, found Himalayan Balsam pods that pop and curl up when touched. They expel seeds which are edible and we had a lot of fun popping pods! I did, anyway, they were so cool! On our way back we found a leaf that was infested with gall wasp spangles. I've always loved being out in nature but I don't think I've ever noticed so much before now. I'm really getting into it all and loving it!

Conversation the noodles had in the car on the way to the woods--
Chickpea- I like your new wellies!
Monkey- Yeah! 'nap 'nap! (his new wellies are crocodiles)

Two people have shared really excellent health related news today. Hooray! I think I may have a celebratory glass of wine! In other news, back to work tomorrow. Boo!