Apples, Puffballs, and Laughter

September 30, 2018 woodsandwetlands

A handful of wild apples.

D. is the first Woods and Wetlander to ever climb this tree!

These wild apples have dents, scabs, discolorations, and occasionally holes. They are misshapen and in no way resemble the glossy perfection of grocery store apples. But the kids love them and cannot get enough of them. I was the same way, (still am!) when I was a kid.

Heading uphill!

C. got right up there as soon as he arrived at the tree.

This tree is just barely a size that kids can climb, but if it’s climbable, kids will find a way!

This appears to be an ideal way to spend one’s afternoon after a long day in school.

We were happy to have I. back for a day! We reminisced about our year of Firsts in the Forest.

We found several enormous puff-balls that were in perfectly stompable condition. We made quite a mess of them.

These scientists are exploring puff-balls from two angles, after stomping it into oblivion they gently examine the insides of it and exclaim loudly as they discover the odd texture and temperature.

The fact that we even made it to the Enchanted Forest, let alone stayed to play, is indicative of the reduction in the mosquito population! There were a few but not enough to cause the slightest complaint when there was balancing and shrieking to be done!

Mucky, happy boys!

The laughter of these two was the kind that makes you crack up along with them even if you aren’t sure why you’re laughing. I loved hearing it! I might have discouraged the use of an old tire that someone left out there, but they were having a blast with it and I just let it go.

He very rarely falls!

Published by woodsandwetlands

I am an and outdoor educator with a master's in early childhood development. I taught elementary school for 20 years and now own Woods and Wetlands LLC, offering programs for local children to engage in nature study through play and exploration-based learning. My programs are all outdoors in whatever "wild" spaces are available. I live in Rockford, Michigan with my husband, dog, and three cats. My unique, therapeutic, one and a half hour programs help children to connect with the natural world and with themselves. View all posts by woodsandwetlands

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