~Good Times with Family

My brother, Bobby and his wife, Jennifer, and kids, Matthew and Makensie finally got the chance to see our part of the country this week. We were so happy they got to visit and spend some time with us. This week was perfect for hiking so we took them to a couple trails we love. Our first trail had amazing landscaping! There was an animal and nature center at this particular Metro Park and one of the workers took a snake out to show the kids and she taught us all how to identify poisonous versus non-poisonous snakes. I hate snakes, but this one wasn't too bad. Makensie was a little apprehensive but came around and decided to pet the snake. They also got to see the bee exhibit and were able to bird watch and see all the different birds in our area. After walking through the nature center, we hiked on one of the trails and just as I was telling them we probably wouldn't see a deer, low and behold we got to see one! That is always a treat. I have to say that I'm not a fan of this area in the winter, but this time of year is so nice and I love the hiking trails! It's such a peaceful retreat from the day-to-day busyness of life. Jacob, Caleb, and Seth enjoyed getting to visit with their cousins as we don't get to see them often. I just wish we lived closer sometimes, because it's always so hard to watch family drive away knowing it will be awhile before we see them again. We had a great time nonetheless and are grateful for the memories made this week.