I was lucky to be asked to review the book “Curious Critters” by David FitzSimmons. When I opened the package, I immediately fell in love with the cover art. Mr. FitzSimmons has done a wonderful job capturing images of some of the coolest little critters that we share the planet with.  But, there is more to this book than beautiful pictures. The narrative was so much fun to read to my three year old. We have heard the call of the bull frog many times, but we have never had the opportunity to stare it right in the face as you can do with this book.  I especially loved that some of the cool nocturnal creatures were added, such as the elusive flying squirrel, brown bat, screech owl, and opossum. Also included at the end of this book is a brief natural history of each critter featured in the book, life-sized silhouettes quiz, and a glossary.  This is particularly interesting to older children and adults.

When I asked my daughter what she thought of the book after we read it, she said that she really liked it and it made her want to go outside and search for more critters.I believe this book is a nice resource for those that want to get into nature and will be enjoyed by all ages.

Had fun on Friday at one of our local forest preserves called PA Nehring.  The wildflowers were beautiful and I even got to show the children my favorite, the red trillium (Trillium erectum).  I extended the outing invitation to another local moms group and we had about 10 families show up.  It was nice meeting some new moms in the area too.  Let's Go Chipper has "sponsored" us through June and it has been nice to pass out educational material/snacks/music to the families.  They also gave us a nice backpack and flashlight. 

Armed with bug nets, collection containers, and nature bracelets*, we took the kids (ranging from 1 to 5 years old) on a nice little hike.  They had a blast looking at bugs, flowers, the Kishwaukee River, and getting to climb over logs.  After our hike, we had a nice picnic in their big grassy area.  It was difficult to get the kids to eat, because they were having fun rolling down hills and running around exploring. 

* How to make a nature bracelet:  Take a strip of duct tape and wrap it around your wrist with the sticky side facing out.  Attach things you see along the way, but be sensitive of native flowers.  I told the kids to ask me first and I encouraged them to attach flowers from the invasives ;-)

Well…our kick-off gathering for Prairie Play didn’t go as I intended, but we still had a really nice time.  We had a severe wind warning for the area, and the hike was cancelled after we went out there and were almost blown away.  I had not been to Afton Forest Preserve since Fall, and they recently burned a good portion of the area.  Not much to see now, but soon the prairie wildflowers will be plentiful.

Although we couldn’t hike and have our scavenger hunt, we decided to meet back at my house.  We ended up using the time to plan future events and letting the kids play in the backyard and plant some organic peas in pots for their backyard gardens.  Our next event will be in a couple weeks at Afton.  Can't wait to go hiking with the kiddies!

Last year I ended the playgroup that I had been coordinating in our area.  I was just getting frustrated by the lack of attendance.  There were a few new exciting playgroups starting up in the area for the parents with smaller children, and our veteran members were starting to move on too (preschool, park district programs, etc.).  I was also feeling like it was a drag to HAVE to attend every weekly meet-up to make sure no one was left alone (of course, I was by myself a few too many times too).  And the final event that made me end the Group, was when I no longer wanted to go to our local parks.  One day I went to three different parks in DeKalb and they all had chemical weed application signs displayed.  I didn’t want my child playing in weed killer and then potentially getting the stuff ingested.  (I am trying to work with the park district in developing an “Adopt-the-Park” program to help with picking weeds, etc.)

While I love the new playgroups that started in the area, I felt that they didn’t get the kiddies outside enough.  So…I have started a different kind of playgroup for young children and their parents.  We are going to be doing a lot of nature-based activities.  Today is our kick-off event at our local forest preserve.  The wind is really kicking today in this prairie state and it is going to make it challenging to hike, but that is Mother Nature for ya.

BTW:  I attached a copy of our picture based scavenger hunt that we are going to be doing today.

Despite our success last year, this year's camping trip didn't work out very well.  My daughter and I ended up being the only two camping, and we made it through one night and then bailed.  We originally planned for a two night mom/babe camping trip at White Pines State Park in Oregon, IL.  I have hiked at this park in the past, but this was my first time camping there.  Well, I hate to say that it will be my last.

The threat of thunderstorms left the whole trip up in the air and a couple of the moms had to bail because of unexpected committments.  At the last minute, I decided to go for it.  We did end up having a thunderstorm at around 5am, but that wasn't the only disappointment.

The mosquitoes were a total nightmare and my daughter looked like she got stung by a dozen or so bees, even though I kept applying our bug spray.  They really got her good on a short hike I took with her and my dog (who I brought with for some added protection against weirdos).  After that, I pretty much made her hang out in the tent or our larger day tent....not very much fun for a little girl and her dog. 

In addition to the mosquitoes, a freight train passed every hour or more ALL NIGHT LONG.  It seriously sounded like I was camped next to the tracks.  And....they let off their siren every time too.  I probably got less than 3 hours of sleep that night.

I am a bit bummed that the trip was a mess, but that is how the cookie crumbles I guess.  The mosquitoes just came out of nowhere and have been raising havic everywhere in the Midwest.  

Maybe we will try this again in a month or so.  Regardless, it was nice to know that camping alone with my daughter (and our dog) was pretty easy, especially since my husband isn't a huge fan of camping.  I am looking forward to many more mom and babe camping trips (even if it is just me and my babe).       

You don't have to wait until your babe is older to enjoy some great hikes with them.  I have actually been hiking with my babe since she was a few weeks old (it was the only way she would nap).  Our first carrier was a Moby Wrap, which seriously become a part of my wardrobe.  As my daughter got heavier, I needed some extra padding on my shoulders.  Now, I use an Ergo carrier.  Some of my other favorite carriers that I have used over the last couple of years have been my BabyHawk Mai Tai, Didymos wrap, and Storch ring sling (I still use this one if I am shopping and she wants to nurse).  You can find all sorts of information on carrying and types of carriers and FSOT (for sale or trade) at this website:  http://www.thebabywearer.com/  I have actually got some really awesome deals on carriers through here.  My only warning to you is that there are tons of cool ones to choose from.       

This picture was taken while hiking at Indiana Dunes National Park with our 2 year old.

 We had a great turn out today for our playdate at the Sycamore RV Resort.  About 11 moms showed up with their babes (who range in age from a few months to 11).  I am so happy that one our mom's suggested this place.  The "lake" was an old quarry located next to the Kishwaukee River.  The water was very clear and there were lots of fish hanging out near the shore for the kids to see (and try to catch with buckets and nets).  They even had a deeper area with a platform that you could jump off of.  I think we are going to have to put this place on the calendar again soon.

Next week we will visit one of our local parks, but I am also planning our annual mom-and-babe camping trip.  We are in the process of narrowing down the dates and location.  Some of the moms want to just come out for a daytrip, so we are trying to find a place within an hour's drive from home.

This is a photo of my daughter hiking the Ice Age Trail in Kettle Moraine State Park in Wisconsin.  We took a family camping trip up there this week.  Kids are great little scientists, exploring their worlds.  I try to teach her about the plants along the trail (like how you should not touch poison ivy) and encourage her to engage with her environment.  She wasn't too happy to meet her first daddy-long leg though....she called it a "scary long leg."

This week we are taking the kids to the beach.  One of the mom's found this RV Resort in our town and they have a swimming "hole."  http://sycamorervresort.com/       

For those that are interested in getting out in DeKalb County, you can visit our calendar of events:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DeKalbCountyIL_PlayGroup/ 

Just a little about us:  we are a young group (only in our 2nd year), but we have over 50 members!  We have a wonderful group of moms that I enjoy hanging out with on a weekly basis.  They have inspired me to be a better parent and I very much enjoy their companionship.

Our goal is to play outside when the weather is decent (above 50 degrees and not rainy).  We usually tour the parks in our county, but we also love hiking in our natural areas.  I can't wait to share some of the upcoming stories with you all.

Patty