Creatures of the Valley

{Tenting out in the front yard, Carmel inspecting a turtle saved from the middle of the road, 911 birdie emergency, Carmel checking out the froggy in her froggy diaper}

So many little critters and creatures have come and gone into and out of our lives recently. Each visitor brings along with it an opportunity to develop a great respect for both the wonder and frailty of nature and her tiny beings. It has been such a good lesson for us as we dance around the issues of life and death doing our best to give answers that are both reasonable for a two and four year old as well as true.

I love to watch these little people as they examine each creature that comes to us. They notice so much and I always feel inspired to try to see more of something. To see what they see. They don't ever just see a frog. They feel it, smell it, listen to it. Sticky slippery skin. The smell of pond water. The loud deep calls. Big round eyes. I watch and learn as they form their own definition to go with the name frog, bird, turtle. What wonderful little teachers they are to have around. I have so much to learn from them.