So, since we had been cooped up inside from the past few rainy days, I decided that Hailey and I were going to go on a nature walk (daring idea since Hailey freaks out at bugs-especially flying ones, lol). So she and I set out to the Hylebos Wetland area in Federal Way. Hailey had a blast, and I enjoyed being outdoors with my girl (although, I'm not going to lie...the thought did cross my mind of a bear or some other animal jumping out in front of us, which made me a bit on edge the whole time, lol-that and we were like 1 of 3 people there!) Anywho....I was surprised at how well Hailey did. We first took the dirt path that went around Mar Lake. Hailey was excited to see some wild berries (which later we found out were salmon berries), water lilies in the lake, and Lilly pads. Hailey also learned of some "different" types of trees along the way: Dogwood-which she thought the name was hilarious! and an Umbrella Pine Tree, in which the needles appeared to be like an umbrella. By the time we got to the end of this trail (meaning, we ended up in someones backyard, lol) Hailey said she had to go to the bathroom. So....we hiked back to the trailhead to use the facilities. Since we were at the beginning of the trail, I made an offer to just leave and return another day to complete our walk. Hailey was having none of it!! lol So...back down the trail we went! I would say we got about 1/2 way around the big boardwalk loop before Hailey said she was ready to leave-meaning the flying bugs were getting thicker and she wasn't wanting to go further, lol. So we headed back to the car and went home.
I was so proud of Hailey during the hike. Dealing with the bugs so well, for one- but also because the she walked the whole time (asked to be carried 2 times, but we just sat and rested for a bit and then continued on). I would say we were probably hiking for about an hour and a half!! She has now informed me that she would like to go on some more nature walks this summer. Now to find some easy (kid-friendly) hikes/walks. :-)
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| You can tell from her face here, that she saw a bug, lol |
We stopped at one "lookout" to rest, and I sat back and watched Hailey dance on the boardwalk as if she was the only person in the forest!
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| my dancer! |
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| can you tell she saw another bug here and is about to freak out, lol |
Sounds to me like Hailey is preparing for a visit to Vermont...we've got LOTS of good hiking around the Green Mountains...and ice cream follows every adventure in Vermont! :)
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