Taku Lake on Campbell Creek Greenbelt

 On top of the world

 Moose skat identification

 and off we go!

 LOON = happy lake system!

 Yay Trees!

 Natural Balance

 Let's 'build a fire'

 Yeah!  Let's look for sticks to stack on the 'fire'

 ...and we found them EVERYWHERE!

 ...and we helped each other with the larger pieces

 We heard the sound of the wind on the lake, calling us...

 ...and we played in the sunshine

 found some fishing string and a plastic bracelet so what else to do but FISH!

...and here's our catch!  

Local, Organic, Wild Caught...Delicious!!!

 we take turns, and explore

 found a large foam piece in the woods, before we put in trash bin, lets see if it floats and then what shapes we can make with the water on the dry pavement - interesting tactile and aesthetic sensations!

 Wild Roses in bloom.  This one has an occupant; a little green caterpiller!

 back to the woods, to the check out the creek

 We found the beaver dam

Ahhhhhhh!  Another Amazing Day with the Peace Tree Kids!

The Bittner House

Watch them grow

Solstice Kids!!!

There were a TON of new faces to see, so exciting to watch Peace Tree Kids grow. Hopefully we get more and more little ones (and mamas and papas too) as the summer progresses!

Unfortunately, we showed up in the middle of a roaring game of Red Rover, so I personally did not get to meet everyone! Or get any pictures. Anyone out there with shots from today please let me know!!!

We spent a little time watering and weeding our growing garden, and sampling the yummy chard that is already up!

The river water was very fast and very high today, I think this was a big let down for some of us who had the hopes of going and getting our feet wet! Next time!!

The biggest goal/struggle today was sharing. As it was pointed out, it is wonderful that they are able to vocalize their needs and explain their emotions so well at such a young age.

Just watching their friendship grow is amazing

These two were inseparable, whispering secrets and giving hugs

Cheney lake

Today was a lesson on patience. After days and days and daaaaaaaaaaaaaays of rain here in Alaska, some of us are getting a bit stir crazy. There is only so much outdoor play a mama can handle soaking wet, and only so many crafts a little one can do before they yearn for the great outdoors. So we all donned our rain gear and headed to the lake today.

There is a great little playground to start off your adventure, then, obliviously, the lake. A great stocked lake full of rainbow trout, doubles as a wonderful place to throw stones, or just stomp.

There was fishing, rock throwing, and melt downs. Little Lu, who wants nothing but to be outside all the time, got wet feet 30 minutes into our morning, and wanted nothing more than to go home. Unfortunately she decided this half way around the mile walk. A mile isn't much for some, but for a 2.5 year old with wet socks, it is " a really really long walk"

Cheney lake is a great place to explore. Our leaders today were definitely Wyatt and Andy. Locals to the area they knew ALL the great spots to find rocks and hidden forts.

We found some stumps, one must always look closely to see what little creatures make these places their homes.

Lots of fishing for leaves and 'sea weed'

A mama and her babies

Time to ponder

Natures gym

Of course, one must stop and investigate the worms that just happen to be right in our path. These were two lucky kiddos!

You always need a friend to stomp puddles with

By the end they were either really tired...

Or really dirty!
All in all Cheney lake is a great place for exploring, but definitely bring extra socks! The field of forget me nots at the end makes everyone forget their troubles!