Summer break is almost over. We have exactly one week left before I go back to work in my classroom, my 4 year old starts pre-k, and my two year old will be sister free for the first time in his little life. Even as I’m reading that sentence back to myself, I’m thinking, “Oh, that sounds like we’re going to be soaking up every last minute of our time together before school starts.” Wrong.
I’m looking for every excuse to get out of the house right now. Alone. I’ve even resorted to jogging regularly. If that doesn’t say “desperate”, I don’t know what does. So we’re running out of things to do and that leads to boredom which leads to fussing which leads to time for my toddler to become one with the corner. So I’m at that special Mommy Moment where I’m thinking that I have got to get out of the house or I’m going to lose it.
My children are tired of going on our same routine walks. They’re over the Radio Flyer. Even the park has lost its charm, and that’s saying something because they finally figured out the teeter totter this summer! So I’m at my wits end and then brilliance occurs. We go on an Insect Safari, which was quickly renamed a “Buggie Safari”. Less of a ring to it, but the two year old can pronounce it.
We start in our own yard but before long we’re heading to the botanic gardens with snacks, waters, and camera packed. Now suddenly my kids aren’t running amuck. They are slowing down, observing the miniature world around them, and sharing what they see. It’s magic. “The bee flies like this and the butterfly goes like that.” “Oh that one is teeeeeny tiny.” “Those ‘grass-poppers’ go so high!” And of course we documented it with the camera so we could show everyone else what we found. 
My favorite find is the bee and hibiscus. This guy is coated with pollen. Check out his antennae. I also like the light in the image and how you can see the shape of his leg and thorax in the shadow on the petal. 
Being a mom isn’t usually easy and believe me, I am as guilty as the next offender when it comes to screen time. This was an awesome memory builder for me and my kiddos. There was zero prep work on my part aside from packing the go bag and we had easy fun outdoors. And you know what kids love? Bugs. The nice part about an Insect Safari is that it’ll never be the same twice. We searched up and down for a roly poly or ladybug, but finally said “better luck next time!”
Child Goose Chase 