Little Creek Nature Area… And how Simone saved the day
So… I’ve driven past this place thousands of times… But I admit, I was too scared to stop! (The fear of new places, being shy, and social anxiety prevented me from driving up and parking)
But when I heard I could start at a park, hike through trails and end up at the nature reserve… I decided that didn’t sound too scary!
After hiking through the trails we ended up seeing a red barn with sheep! So naturally we approached them and started speaking sheep- “bass baaa”!
While we were looking at the sheep, I met a man that worked their and I struck up a conversation. And guess what… He was nice, I had nothing to fear after all!
So, the school district owns the nature area and the 90 acres we had just hiked through. The school uses it to host field trips (way cool)! And it’s open to the public… we could even go into the museum 😊
The museum had 2 doves, both males that liked to fight (sounds like some brother I know!)
A bee hive! You can see the worker bees crowding and protecting the queen bee!
There was a table of artifacts that was for touching and holding!
Also, there was a neat display of bird nests! 
After we warmed up and finished checking out more displays in the museum, we started hiking back to the car!
Well, we got a bit lost… I’m kinda directionally impaired!
BUT!
Simone came to the rescue and after making a complete circle, she investigated a path to the left and discovered the tree she had used her knife on to pry off bark!! Everyone was very relieved to be heading in the right direction! Yay for Simone 😊
Once we were back in the right path, we could focus on the little things around us!
Eli liked the tuft of rabbit fur that he found . He plans on using it when he plays Wild Kratts!
Edison saw a deer and a fox! No picture because I didn’t see them but I took a picture of him looking quite proud!
Simone heard squeaking and made us stop in our tracks as she looked at the ground covering…
…somewhere in that picture, under the leaves, there is a mouse! We could see the leaves moving, we even saw it’s gray back and little tail!
And poor Andre- all he got was 7 splinters somehow 😔
We came to a small pond- that reminded the kids of Fable Haven! 
Fable Haven is a book series that is absolutely fabulous! I read all 5 books as a read- aloud… And we wanted more!
The UNWILDEST animal we found… was this metal stork!
When we finally popped out of the woods, the kids were starving… so I must remember to pack snacks next time!
- Posted in: Unschooling in the community
- Tagged: children, hike, homeschool, outside, unschool
Becoming a Wild Family 
I’m glad I’m not the only mom with social anxiety. Sometimes it’s so debilitating. 😦
Looks like your kids had a blast. We have a place similar to this near our town. It’s an Arboretum. We go there a bit when it is warm. Right now they have tons of trees tapped for maple syrup.
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Oh yes, social anxiety and I are in a constant battle! I hope you get a chance to explore your town’s nature center… Maybe sample some maple syrup 😋
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It is so funny how we limit ourselves because we might have to ‘talk’ to someone. Try explaining that to somebody without social anxiety lol. Cute kiddos, sounds like you had fun.
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Yes! The idea of speaking to others can stop me in my tracks… And of course the idea is always more intimidating than actually doing it… but it’s hard to convince myself of that! And thanks! The kids are loving all our WILD adventures!
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Love it! I’m going to check those Fable Haven books out too.
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Yes yes yes!! Such good books for adults and kids (if you like fantasy and awesomeness)
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I don’t know if I have social anxiety, but I don’t like to socialize. I will be friendly and polite to people if I have to, but I’m not going to strike up a conversation. I also have trouble with driving places out of the norm. I panic. I’m not good with directions so I get lost pretty easily so that’s one reason, but I also don’t feel good about driving in areas I’ve never been before. I feel bad for my kids. They’d probably love it if I was more social. Oh well, they get me for a mom and have to live with it. The closest I get to extroverts is my dog. I just can’t fathom being an extrovert. I’ve spent a lot of time trying to be extroverted because that’s what I “should be” according to the universe, but i just can’t do it. I do get stuck in my head a lot.
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I know, right (about everything you said – including the dog thing!!)!! Thank God for GPS – my kids know roads better than me… I think I daydream while driving 😊 and I usually garble up my words when I talk which is embarrassing and I NEVER remember people’s names so I feel guilty which adds to the anxiety 😳 oh well… I’m getting better at it and I’ve learned to make reservations over the phone for field trips and I remind myself that perhaps the person I’m going to speak with hates talking just as much as I do!
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Yes there is a pushing out of the comfort zone that has to take place. I really enjoy self checkouts at the store. I wish that would be a “thing” at the salon.
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Surprise! Would you believe I go through the same anxiety? I have to push myself. I am thankful for many wonderful people I have met and have gotten to know!
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I am surprised when I find out that someone with an “outgoing” personality has social anxiety! It helps me keep things in perspective when I too must push through it! (Since you commented anonymous-I can’t help but be surprised 😉)
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Reblogged this on Becoming a Wild Family and commented:
I am so excited that Little Nature Creek shared this post today on their Facebook Page! It’s exciting to know that our experience might encourage others to get into the WILD outdoors!!
I can’t believe this was a year ago!! I can’t wait to go back here!
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We haven’t done that in a long time. I am inspired
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I can’t believe it has been almost a year since we went… I am inspired too LOL! It would be a scream if we went on the same day!
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Love this post. The kids looked like they had so much fun. Well, everyone but poor Andre. Splinters can be painful!
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Thank you! I have so much fun with my kids 🙂 Oh Andre… it’s usually him that trouble finds LOL!
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