Posted by Justin and Elizabeth West

I need to just take a moment and reflect upon the beauty that is around me. It is the last week of October. The trees are beautiful. The wind is causing the leaves to dance around me. There is so much wonder this time of year! It presents a great opportunity for little ones to get out and enjoy nature.

My 6 year old has discovered the joy of building fairy houses this year. The plethera of sticks and leaves, along with acorns, walnuts, and other prizes from the trees make for fantastic imaginitive play and building. She loves to find new ways to set up the sticks to make the houses, and to find fun things, like the softer leaves, for beds and furniture to put in the little houses.

The boys have gotten out their dump trucks, excavators, and front end loaders (they know the real names for these vehicles) and are piling up leaves. These 2 and 4 year olds are doing all kinds of construction projects with the colorful leaves. They would stay outside all day long if I would (and could) let them.

I just love autumn in general, but especially because it is such a great time to get out in nature and introduce the little ones to all that it has to offer. The trees and plants are fascinating and are dropping all kinds of gifts for kids to explore. We love to be outside and we love to our kids excited about the changes happening around them.

And that being said, I'm off to enjoy the day.