Burr Oak Woods

We decided to do a little exploring over the 4th of July weekend and headed to a local conservation area. First things first the kids found some good climbing trees right next to the parking lot. Anika has always loved climbing trees, spending a good part of every day in the nearest climbing tree. Sadly our current house doesn't have any trees big enough for her to climb. :( We have tons of trees across the street...but she hasn't found a good one. The boys have definitely followed in her footsteps and I think they would have been happy to go there just for the tree climbing! :)

Next we headed to the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center that was filled with all sorts of information about local wildlife and plant species. There were also live animals so the kids could see them up close and a tree fort, slide and hollow log to play in.

Next we headed out to the Bethany Falls trail which was a 1.3 mile loop. The hike was pretty easy, but it was hot and we didn't see much wildlife or water so the kids were getting a little bored...that is until we reached the middle section of the trail that takes you past a bunch of limestone boulders! The kids loved climbing up the crevices and jumping from one boulder to the next. We also found a thick vine that everyone took turns trying to climb....Anika was the most successful one making it up about 15 feet. (In my defense I was in super slippery flip flops) We all had fun and will definitely go back to this trail and try some of the others. Sorry for the picture overload...it was just such a pretty area and I LOVE taking pictures of my kids! :)