The Canyon in the Fall

You cannot live in the Black Hills of South Dakota without visiting Spearfish Canyon in late September. Well, our family can't anyway! Yesterday we packed a picnic lunch and headed for the Hills. Or...the gap between the hills, as it were. 

Some of the best lessons our children learn occur spontaneously on trips like these. Over lunch, Punky noticed that the grass around us was still very green. This led to a discussion about how different factors such as altitude, shade, and proximity to running water can benefit plant life. Science--check! Next, we headed up the road a ways until we noticed an aspen grove that I wanted to photograph. The Littles played in the dirt and then took a snack break, while the older boys took up target practice with their BB guns.

Gun safety--check! Hand-eye coordination--check! Nutrition--check!

The road we were on crosses private property, and there were many cows out to pasture. Some of these poor momma cows were SO pregnant. I thought about stopping to pass out some labor-inducing tips, but they didn't look the type that would appreciate my advice. 


The rest of the afternoon was spent just enjoying the scenery and each other. Spiritual growth--check, check!! I'm telling you, the beauty can't be denied: