Boys in the Woods

With the weather uncharacteristically warm, the boys and I recently went foraging for Christmas trimmings. The past couple years I've wanted to bring more of the outdoors in to decorate for the season, having grown tired of the old snowmen figurines and such. I also desperately need a tromp through the woods this time of year. It's something I grew up doing and I'm afraid the boys aren't getting enough of it.

We went to my parents' 40 acres and explored the pine woods. I brought along the boys' sled and a box to drag out pine boughs and pinecones...and whatever other treasures we may have found.

It was a lovely, peaceful afternoon. The boys wandered off on their own while I snipped branches and gathered pinecones, though they were never out of earshot. They were immersed in a world of make-believe the entire time. With sticks aplenty, constant wacking sounds and shouts of "Timber!" echoed through the trees.

They marvelled at the different kinds of fungus and moss we found growing on decaying logs. We discovered deer signs and trails. Liam found a grapevine as thick as his leg that was irresistible to climb. As we made our way through the brambles and undergrowth we accumulated a wealth of scratches, stick-tights and cockle burrs; not to mention pounds of mud. Best of all, little boys got to be little boys. Feeding the love of exploration and nature is as important as nutritious meals and book learning.

No one wanted to leave, but we resolved to make this kind of outing a regular thing. Mamas need it about as much as little boys.