With the nice weather, we went on quite a few walks last week.

We walked to the school for the stupid lottery I posted about earlier. It was a nice walk. We have also resumes afternoon walks at work. I would peg it as a very short walk, but after weeks of being sick it felt LONG and winded me a bit. Hadn't made the walk since last fall.

Took the kids for a couple of walks, and yesterday we all went to the NAture Center. Had been there once. It is $5 to park but they have a lot of free programs there. Yesterday we just went to check out the hiking trails. Had not been on the trails before. Not particularly big, but it was also to test LM's ability. He just wasn't much up to hiking last year (when he turned 2). Now he is nearing 3, which is the age we took BM on his first hike and he LOVED it. So we have been telling him we will do more hiking when LM can walk with us.

I have to say BM's first hike was rather intense. We did a hike in Waikiki, and he did so well we took him up to Diamond Head. Anyway, he got a lot of attention being the littlest hiker there. But he had no fear and did very well. I don't think LM would be so keen on such big hikes, but we are warming him up.

Anyway, the landscape was a little blah. A few trees were blooming, but for the most part dry and dead from winter. However, we saw quite a few animals. We have a lot of wild turkeys that hang around my office and I keep telling the kids. Knew they would love to see. So we firstly came across some turkeys in the parking lot. They weren't quite as big and healthy as the ones I am accustomed to. But they got a kick out of that. We looked at the animals & exhibits inside, and the kids had a blast. Then we started on a short hike. We were actually on a time schedule. Dh had to get to some volunteer work.

So we started the smallest trail and immediately came across about 10-15 deer. Now turkey and deer are not an unusual sight at all. I have friends in the area who have deer hang around their yards and I see turkeys all the time in the commercial area where I work. But I don't know if I have seen so many deer at once. There were 2 with antlers duking it out as well. Quite a sight!

We also saw a dry/dead meadow and a pond. Apparently the nature center is bordered by the American River, and there are some trails that get a little closer to the river.

Anyway, dh and the kids really liked it. LM said it was "So fun!" So we vowed to go back in April, when more flowers will be in bloom.

I have a good 2 hour hike to try later this month. I am pleased to say LM will be very up for it. So that will be our next hike.