Little Explorers

We are a family who loves to be outdoors, from festival loving parents, to the little boy who could have a picnic everyday of the year, to the baby who spends all morning bringing me random shoes until I finally take him outside.  We love exploring and we love adventure.

Last week the littlest two and I met up with some friends at the local park for a real little adventure, and armed with binoculars, bug pots and a magnifying glass, we spent a gorgeous afternoon getting to know the park away from our usual spot by the swings and slides.

I was expecting a little apprehension with the pirate ship climbing frame in site, and they all asked to go in to the play area at some point, but once the explorer kit was out, the bigger toddlers were off into the 'jungle' to find some bugs to look at.

The littler ones had plenty of fun playing with the pots and the walkie talkies, and enjoying some snacks on the new picnic blanket, before going off to climb on anything and everything.  

Archie was off exploring in his own way, the kind of way that made my heart stop several times! 

Our little adventure made me realise how little I know about certain things too.  I may have a degree but I cannot tell a 2 year old what bug he is looking at (unless it is a ladybird, I managed that one ok!).  It wasn't just the toddlers fascinated by their findings and I gave bird spotting a go.

It was really lovely to see all the children really exploring, using their imagination, discovering the world around them and learning at the same time.  Dylan was still too young to get the most of the kits but his friends who have already turned three loved it and because they were so involved, he really joined in.

Mothercare were kind enough to send us their explorer kit, the walkie talkies, some binoculars, a top for each of the boys and some other goodies to help us get exploring.  Unfortunately Dylan's T-shirt didn't make it to the park but Archie's gorgeous vest and shirt did!