Kids in the woods

Our grandkids have enjoyed Bittersweet Woods for many years. Connor was the first to notice elevation differences as a two year old. He clambored up the hill behind the house and announced "I'm way up high." He had not experienced a "high" at his one story home in the flatlands of western Ohio. Everything was on the same level.

Later, he took to splitting wood with a lighter weight axe. "That axe is sweet", he announced after taking a few swings as a 5 year old. Thereafter it has been referred to as the sweet axe. I saw it today as we put away tools in the shed as the rain started falling. He ran several toy chain saws and lawn mowers into the ground "helping" the grown-ups with that important work.

Catrina, the youngest, couldn't he kept from the trail. She demanded, as only a two year old can, to accompany us on dog walks down the trail. She toddled bravely, usually shunning Pap's offered helping hand. By the end of the week, she was negotiating hills, rocks, and roots with confidence.

Their summer visit is an annual event. Here are pix from this year's visit. Bittersweet Woods brings out carefree fun and goofiness - for the adults, dogs, and kids. These are the precious moments, to use a spoofy line from the Trains, Planes, and Automobiles comedy movie, in a serious tone. We remember these times wistfully, knowing that the young'ns will grow older so quickly. But they'll have the memories their whole life.