Nature Walk

There are a fair number of parks in Southern Maryland. Kelly and Audrey have been exploring a number of them with her group of moms during the week while I am at work. We decided this long weekend was a perfect excuse for me to witness her new found hiking abilities.

We drove a little north to the Flag Ponds Nature Park. Audrey walked the 0.5 mile hiking trail all by herself, though she probably covered twice that distance with all her zigging and zagging to check out the leaves, rocks, sticks, and various seed pods covering the ground.

We took a brief break from walking to check out the old replica fishing house. Audrey decided that au naturel was the right way to go so she stripped down right on the front porch (for the short time it took to change her diaper). Luckily she covered herself up and was back to checking out leaves by the time I got my camera out.

It was 40 degrees out on the beach and we were a good hike from the car with no change of clothes and no towel. What does that add up to for a water loving baby? A complete meltdown because her parents wouldn't let her play in the water. Yes, we are evil, and she let everyone on the beach know. We hightailed it away from the water so fast that I didn't even get a picture of the bay. Oh well, next time (when it is much warmer)...

I'm looking forward to the day when we can reason more with Audrey. Right now "Mommy and Daddy screwed up and forgot to bring a change of clothes. So sorry!" doesn't mean much to her. But out of sight, out of mind, and Audrey quickly got over the traumatic event of being denied a chance to splash in the Chesapeake.

I've had a few "nature vs. nurture" discussions with people since Audrey was born. I used to be 60/40 on the nature/nurture side of the fence but the more I see neurotic kids coming from neurotic parents, political leanings passed down as if they are genetic, and kids growing up to hate the same perfect strangers their parents do, the more I realize we have to set a good example for our daughter.

On the hike back to the car I was able to grab this shot of Audrey following in the footsteps of her mom. We had a great day and I'm happy we are doing what we can to nurture some nature into our daughter's life.