William's 7th Birthday - A Nature Hike

It's a well-known fact that I am a birthday Fanatic. The kids put in their requests for Birthday themes and parties far in advance. This year William almost had me stumped... AlMoSt! His request was a Lego-Bird Party. Really Will? Where do you come up with this stuff? So I had an idea... little did I know how great it was ! I mean-- Does this kid look happy to you?
I remembered hearing about a place where a Home-school Mom friend took their kids on a field trip- a Wildlife Refuge- teaming with birds, especially. Lucky for me the Turnbull Wildlife Refuge has a terrific website- as well as an Amazingly Wonderful Gal, Erica, who works there and provides tours.

She is awesome- no better than awesome. She catered a shorter nature hike, encouraged us to invite as many kids as we wanted and better yet, said it was free. Hello! Free! She provided binoculars for all the kids and the hike was the most fun.

We saw coyotes, all 4 habitats that they have on the refuge and yes... tons of birds.

What do you see, Birthday Boy??

There were turtles and nests and snake holes and you name it- waiting to be found.

SUCH a gorgeous place- Erica told us some of the History of the area and then let us experience their interactive learning center as well.

We all fell in love with the place.

And for THIS birthday party we could not have asked for better weather!

And what's a Merritt Birthday Bash without food. I had 6 ginormous Super 1 Subs cut for the hikers and chips galore and watermelon and the obligatory juice boxes. A Picnic Feast. The Happy Hikers!

And of course, Cupcakes! Owl Cupcakes made up on the fly. Whoo Whoo had a great birthday??!

Will! We love you... Your energy, your creative and kind spirit- your thirst for learning and abounding energy. You are a constant source of joy and inspiration and we thank God for you on your birthday- and always!!