Dirt

Is it just JillyBean or do all girls love to play with rocks? We can't go for a walk across the street, much less down to the playground, without Beanie stopping to inspect each rock, pebble, stone or broken piece of concrete that she sees.

Wednesday was a lovely day - low 80s - so we took Beanie Dog out for a walk down to the park. We never made it. Beanie decided that she wanted to plop herself down in the middle of a gravel pile and poke around a bit. I'm sure a lot of moms would have discouraged such "discovery" because of all the messiness that ensues when playing in dirt, but I think that it's great that Beanie loves the outdoors and loves to discover everything it has to offer.

With all of the anti-bacterial cleaning products out there these days and the strive to make sure our children are injected with every vaccine pharmaceutical companies can create, a little dirt, no strike that, a LOT of dirt is necessary. It's also important for moms and dads to get down in the dirt with the kiddos because what looks like a bunch of broken asphalt to you is a completely different world at their level.

There are two great books that are next on my "must read" list: The Dirt on Dirt and I Love Dirt: 52 Projects to Help You and Your Kids Get Outside, Get Dirty, and Enjoy Nature.
I Love Dirt will come in handy this fall. One of the advantages to living in Central Virginia as opposed to Big City, Texas, is that we're surrounded by so many natural resources. It is much easier to get out and explore nature here on a daily basis. The Shenandoah National Park is just up the interstate from us and Fall will be a great time to visit and see all of the leaves change color.

What I have learned from having a curious toddler is that you don't have to go far to make exciting discoveries. Taking the dog for a walk through the neighborhood offers many opportunities to grow and learn about the world - even if you never make it to your planned destination.