Cincinnati Nature Center

Soren got to feed the prehistoric turtles (and feisty fish!) at the Cincinnati Nature Center.  Here in the Ohio River valley, the idea of "nature" is a lot different than the Pacific coast. We're in a swamp. Think: lush, humid, dense, hot, and DENSE. Everything grows everywhere. The rivers and lakes were brown from 2 days of intense downpours. It's definitely a different aesthetic than I grew up with, but I'm getting used to it. Sometimes, I even like it.

We went for a day trip through a series of trais, throwing fish food, looking at plants, walking in the shade of old and tall trees. Soren couldn't have been happier (though, he was a bit tired).

My dad, teaching the ways of the world.

I've said it before, but he has an uncanny connection with his Grandpa. Pretty fascinating!

After throwing in handfuls of turtle food, Soren wondered if the swimming critters would like to taste his hat. Notice that it is conspicuously absent from the following pictures! Here is my dad rescuing said hat.

Soren feeling deep regret. Deep, deep regret.

Of course, Grandma is pretty cool too.

Big guy, little guy.

And my sworn enemy made many an appearance.

I am currently losing to my 3rd batch of poison ivy for the summer.

Look at that crazy hair! Still so light, still so slight.