Dramatic Waterfalls are Not Just for Exotic Places

My family and I recently took a day trip to Crawford Notch in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. I had researched the location of some waterfalls in the area and decided to hike one of the trails to one of the waterfalls. The hike to the falls was very family friendly. My 8 yr old and 12 yr old had no problem hiking the 1.5 miles. They enjoyed going over the railroad tracks and then discovering all kinds of native plants and trees. We came across a few smaller waterfalls on the way too. We had never been here before and you could imagine our surprise as we turned the corner of the trail and came to this beautiful and enormous waterfall. My children were awe struck and my 8 yr old even said to me "I thought there were only waterfalls like that in Hawaii!". He wanted to make sure I took lots of pictures (of course) so that he could show his classmates at school. I encourage you to research what natural elements are in your area and take some time to go enjoy one!

Backyard Paradise

I am always encouraging my children stop and take notice of what is around them. I hope that I will be able to inspire others to do the same. Here are some pictures I took from my own back yard in Southern New Hampshire. As busy as we all are (believe me I have two children in 2 sports and each in other extra curricula activities all going on at the same time, plus working full time- I know what busy is) take some time this weekend to grab a cup of coffee and sit outside on your porch, steps, deck, etc and just observe your surroundings. You will be amazed at what you see that you had no idea was around you.

Have a great weekend and get outside!!!

Hazey Day at the Beach

I wanted to show that you don't need a fancy camera or gear to catch some interesting photos at the beach. I left my Nikon at home took a very small point and shoot that only had 3 settings to the beach. I want to encourage people to get out and explore, and take some pictures to remember what you saw. You many even see things in your photo that you didn't notice when you were looking at it in person. Take time to really look, not just scan your surroundings, you will be amazed at what you see!

Have an hour? Take a Hike!

This past weekend my children clearly needed something to do because they were making each other crazy. Who would think brothers and sisters do that? Anyways I told them we were going for a hike. With a little resistance they came, but as soon as we got to the park in town and took a few steps thier attitudes changed instantly. We didn't have a lot of time because we had plans later in the day, but you don't need a huge block of time to hike in your neighborhood. Our entire hike plus quick drive was about an hour long, but was so much more valuable in the interest it sparked in my children.

We quickly found a rock pile that my children enjoyed exploring and telling me about all the interesting facts they had been learning at school about the different types of rocks and minerals. Their rock and mineral itnersted continued through the entire hike and is something they are still talking about. We are planning on purchasing a field guide this weekend to take with us on our future hikes. My children went from not wanting to go to not being able to wait until our next one. Sometimes it getting children outside and away from the technology takes a little push, but they are usually very happy when the do!

Here are some pictures from our hike.

Don't forget Earth Day April 22nd! The Children and Nature Network has a link to search for acitivities that are happening in your area to get children outside. Check it out.

Click on one of the "Let's Go" Badges to the right to bring you there.

(Sorry for the delay in posts! Compurter problems)

It Can Happen Anywhere

While on a hunt for this years baseball and softball equipment for my children on a Saturday night, we were driving on the highway and as we came over a hill we saw the Worm Moon bright and orange just rising in the sky. My children were amazed they didn't know what it was in the sky. When I told them it was the moon they didn't believe me at first. They were so excited and wanted me to take pictures. Of course I didn't have my camera with me, but I did have my phone with me. I passed my phone to my kids who took turns taking pictures of it while I drove. So what's the moral? That you don't have set out specifically looking for nature, and appreciate something wonderful. It can happen as you are driving, as your walking or as you are sitting in your house. All you have to do is look around you, and you will see something.

These are the pictures my kids took with my phone.

Winter Fun!!!!!

I had the great opportunity to photograph the 1st Annual Winter Carnival at Riverside Dog Park in Raymond NH for the town committee. I am usually not a fan of cold weather but my family and I dressed warm and we had an absolute bast! It was a great event that got a lot of families outside in nature in the community, including the family dogs. They had so many events for the families to participate in together. It made me think why do we always seem to have so many outdoor events in the summer, and hardly any in the winter? If you dress appropriately (just like in the summer months) you can have as much fun outdoors. Here are some pictures took that day.

Fire pit and my children sledding.

Winter Paridise

Tug-of-War next to the dragon sculpted out of snow.

There off!!!! Snow Shoeing Races!!!

The Beach isnt Just for the Summertime

The weather warmed up for a few days so I went to the beach on my lunch break to see if there was any interesting to photography. It was a clear day and the visibility was great. I was able to take some pictures of the Isle of Shole, and some practice shots of birds in flight. I definitely have Spring Fever now and I am starting to research different places that I to explore with my family and camera this year!