Backyard Treasure Hunt

Last weekend, while Husband's friend, Rickey, was here hanging with Husband, he treated our little ones to a backyard treasure hunt.  After exciting them with the idea, he asked them to help him draw a map of their proposed hunt.  Then he sent them on their way for proper shoes and coats, and of course a basket for their treasures.  After helping Asher tie his shoe, I overheard Rickey explain when Asher asked for a lift, that "each person had to make their own way." 

Husband and I smiled as we watched his hunting partner and friend from teenage years walk around the edge of the property with our two small ones, each fully invested in their "hunt."  When they returned, nearly forty-five minutes later, their basket was full of hunted treasures--treasures even I was surprised were scattered about the property.

They found a plethora of earthly finds,

and a candle...?

and what Husband called a "jarred Ecosystem...?"

I'm not sure who was eating pickles by candle-light in the trees or when...

but the treasures kept them enthralled for some time.

Thank you Rickey for showing our kids how to have a true backyard adventure!

I may have to set out on a treasure hunt of my own to see what other non-earthly things are hiding in the trees.  However, I did watch a coyote trot across the yard the other morning, and I have found a set of animal teeth and bones on the lawn.  Hmm...maybe I'll keep the treasure hunts to indoors!  I'm still looking for my planner and a few other items since the move!