Nisqually Wildlife Reserve Adventure!

Nisqually Wildlife Reserve-
The Nisqually River Delta, a biologically rich and diverse area at the southern end of Puget Sound, supports a variety of habitats.  Here, the freshwater of the Nisqually River combines with the saltwater of Puget Sound to form an estuary rich in nutrients and detritus.  These nutrients support a web of sea life - the benefits of which extend throughout Puget Sound and beyond.


  

We started the field trip with one of the men in the group sharing a wonderful testimony about the LORD! Next we all took turns reading information about the reserve, reading the topic and giving a short report. Although my children (even the older ones!) do not prefer public speaking, they all did a great job summarizing their topic and presenting the information to the group. Mr. and Mrs. R. gave us a scavenger hunt list which kept the children looking for items and observing their surroundings throughout the walk.

Ashley points everyone to a very tiny creature..

What are mama and Laura looking at?

Oh look! A tiny tree frog! Can you spot it?

These beautiful rose hips give a hint to just how beautiful this area is during the late spring when all of the wild roses are in bloom...

We set off on the 1 mile walk around the reserve. It was so enjoyable to walk through the lovely leaves, which were dry and fun to kick and throw. Since our fall has been unusually warm and dry the leaves are sticking around longer than usual.

 

The walkway to the Reparian Forest Lookout.. in this area there is vegetation which can handle living near both salt and fresh water.. and can handle the diverse environment, including both drought-like conditions as well as thriving also in water when the area is flooded by either the fresh water river being high or during extra high tides where the sound mixes with the fresh water..

Special Friends..

 

We all thought this was a funny warning!.. it kinda became the joke of the day.

While viewing the water from the lookout, we saw an otter, lots of salmon, a red winged black bird and a blue heron.

 



 

We enjoyed looking at the Twin Brown Farm Barns, built in the 1930's back when the reserve had been habitated by a family who had diked off the water and farmed the area. The reserve since has been reverted back to it's natural state with the dikes being removed.

 

 

 

 

The walk ended near this marsh where the Canadian geese were hanging out. It was such a fun, albeit COLD day! We enjoyed our time with our friends. They always make outings so much fun. Their adventurous attitude and love of God's creation has inspired us to go on more outings this year. Thanks you guys for inviting us to join your 'Creation Adventure Team' ! It is such a great ministry.

We look forward to the next adventure!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Prayer Request~ For Our Ryan

Today a CT scan revealed that our darling son Ryan has a rapidly growing tumor or cyst on his upper left jaw which has caused extensive bone loss and has just about closed off his left nostril. We originally took him into our dentist when we noticed that his jaw was shifting over and his facial features on the left side was changing and very swollen. The oral surgeon has scheduled him for a biopsy for November 14  at which time we will be scheduling the surgery. We would appreciate your prayers for our wonderful son. Ryan is in great spirits and leaning heavily on the Lord. Whether God chooses to heal him or whether he allows this trial to continue.. he is completely trusting in His goodness and sovereignty. Please pray:
1) that the tumor is benign
2) that once the tumor/cyst is removed that Ryan's jaw bone regenerates and that he does not loose any of his teeth before that happens
3) that the biopsy and surgery can be done at the same time so that he does not have to undergo two different procedures.. we would need to have it done in a large enough facility where there is a pathology lab on site.

Thank you dear friends and family!

 

⁶ Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
⁷ And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Phillipians 4:6-7 KJV

Cider Press at the King's

Since moving out of the area, our special friends the King family have been renting.. but recently they were blessed enough to purchase a home in their new area. We were invited to come to a cider press at their new home.. it was such a fun time. And great to see their sweet kids, including these cuties....

Ashley, Amanda and I were so happy to see that Mrs. King has  a home very similar to her home in Washington! And even down to the rose garden. :-) We miss them and the 'good old days' but know that God has a plan and purpose for us all! :-)

Same trampoline, different location! :-) Our kids have spent many a hour on it with their best friends

I really enjoyed catching up with Mrs. King and meeting some of her new friends and neighbors as well as see some of sweet and special friends from their church.

Ryan was thrilled to catch up with one of his closest friends..

Brother Jason prays for the meal

Apples for the press

Most everyone brought apples for the press.. the boys all took turns pouring in the apples, pressing them down and turning the press..

                                

Pouring the apples in..



Grant presses them down....

Here Ryan is turning the press gears (or something like that! LOL.. I never did get a look into it!

Taking turns..

The three amigos

... and voila! Delicious cider! We were sent home with 2 gallons! Yum!

Ryan helps to cut some wood for kindling

Nice start to the fire!

We were able to sing a few hymns with the group until it was time for us to leave.. with a 3 1/2 hour drive home.. we would have loved to stay longer.. but feel blessed for the time we were able to spend.