A Hike With Spencer

A few years ago, Joshua and I started a tradition in our family called 'parent date nights' (i.e.= "Mommy date night" or "Daddy date night"). We take turns once a month and rotate through the children, going on individual dates with them. Our children have come to look forward to these special evenings with mom or dad. Josh and I also look forward to it -- I enjoy giving them my full attention and having really good conversations. We notify them a few weeks in advance so they can start planning the night, because within reason, the night is completely up to them to prepare and carry out what they wish.

This month was Spencer's date night with mom. He decided that we would pack a picnic and go on a hike together. We found this beautiful location with lovely hiking trails that were winding beside a creek located within the boundries of a botanical garden not too far from our home.(http://www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg/see/MBGTrails.asp). There were 4 nature trails and we had time to hike all of them before it got too dark. We probably hiked about 5 miles and had a marvelous time walking, talking, and enjoying the beauty around us.

I love this picture of Spencer

Taking a break

We hiked next to this winding creek

We saw wildflowers everywhere.
So beautiful!

Spencer took a picture of me

As we were hiking in the woods, we saw this fort made of sticks off the beaten track.

Spencer in the fort

As we were walking away, we saw this sign.
The stick fort was called "Willow Lodge".
A pretty cool find!