"I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright." ~Henry David Thoreau

Over the weekend we had friends visit from out of state and we decided to take them on a hike in the eighty acre forest by our house. It really is like entering another world, especially when you try to see it through the eyes of the children. Although, even as an adult there is something about the light and color and hushed atmosphere that captures me every time. It is not something that can truly be captured in a picture, but I tried and took well over 300 during our two hour walk. (I promise I won't try to post them all--but I wish I could!)

There is one area in the forest where some kids have built make-shift forts and swings. Of course this always makes my girls want to come home and build their own forts. . .we'll see if they wear Rob down by the end of the summer. But Luke, who was visiting was quite impressed. . . . .

While in such an ideal setting we took tons of candid shots and had to stop and take a few more posed shots. . .

The one of Kira (the littlest) was actually taken in the front yard before we took off.
About halfway through the hike the kids began to get a little tired. Then Signe stopped and pointed at the ground. "Look, a lizard!" I looked and saw what I thought was a plastic lizard--it was orange and looked quite fake, all stiff with one leg turned up in the air funny. I assured her it was not real and bent over to prove it when it moved! The kids were so excited and all wanted a turn holding and I took pictures. . .then they all fought over who got to hold it. So we all went on a lizard hunt, and despite my skepticism (which of course I did not voice) we found six lizards of various shades of black and orange. So, of course I took tons of pics. . . .

It feels a little like time stands still when you are in the forest. When we finally emerged we were shocked to see that we had been in there over two hours. In case I haven't posted enough pics on this post, I will post a slide show next that illustrated the hushed timelessness that the forest offers. Now that the rain is letting up I see us returning much more often.