Advent Sun Calendar: Day 10 "Winter Light"

Doesn't this picture say it all? Being outside fills this girl with such joy!

Today the whole family set out on a winter walk through the woods during the hour before the sun went down. The light was low and it was our first official snow of the season. The kids were wrapped up in all their winter gear and it was our daughter's first time out in the snow. We had such an amazing time.

It really doesn't take much to make such wonderful memories. Being in the moment, outdoors, with our kids brings so much happiness. As the days grow dark so quick during this time of the year, it is our goal this season to focus on the light that does grace us each day. The beautiful glow of the snow and all the other magic that surrounded us out their on the trail was able to fill our cups with the true essence of December.

While we were out we saw a lot of trees scraped clean in patches low to the ground. The glowing orange inner bark shining in the late light gave us pause. Upon closer investigation and further clues we were able to deduce that this was the work of busy beavers! Small trees had also been gnawed down close by, leaving behind a grouping of pointed wood where the trees once stood. The kids had seen beavers in cartoons and books but to make the connection to our local woods was pretty cool.

After this we were enchanted by the rustling dry leaves still hanging onto a grouping of taller trees. These amber chimes made such gentle sounds and when all moving together it was music to our ears! Love it when the trees can sing to us. Honestly, the seasons changing totally transform all of our walks. We could walk the same path every day and discover something new each time. Getting outside makes each day such a special adventure, even if we don't do much or go to far.

I was down near the ground with my daughter and looked up to see a little squirrel staring at me. As my son threw snow in the air, the little guy with the furry tail thought it was his lucky day. He followed along side us for a while, hopping from branch to branch, hoping we had a bit of seed for him. Alas, we did not but we did get a lot of smiles and squeals from his company. : )

We made lots of tracks that day and followed the tracks of the little birds and other critters that had come before us. The sun was beginning to set as we headed home. We talked about the shorter days and the fading light as we started our own fire at home. What a perfect reset to our busy lives. Slowing down is so essential for so many reasons. But until you actually start to fold these little moments into your day to day, you don't fully realize what you are missing.