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Gathering the children, including Emily, we headed out into the crisp morning air, baskets in hand, to collect leaves of different shapes and sizes. The excitement was palpable among the children, their chatter filling the air as they scurried around, picking out the most exciting leaves they could find.
"Okay, everyone, let's see who can find the biggest leaf," I say, watching their enthusiasm bubble over as they dash around the ground, which is covered in a mosaic of autumn colors. "Remember, we're looking for leaves of all shapes and sizes, not just the big ones!" I remind them, chuckling as they compare their treasures with wide eyes.
Emily runs up to me, her basket brimming with leaves. "Look, Mom, this one's as big as my face!" she beams, holding up a giant maple leaf.
"That's amazing, Emily!" I respond with genuine admiration. "It will make a beautiful print. What colors do you think we should use for it?"
As we gather our collection, the children can't help but show off their finds to each other, boasting about who has the prettiest or the most unusual leaf. "This one looks like a star," one child exclaims, holding up a sweetgum leaf to the group, earning 'oohs' and 'aahs.'
"Alright, troops, let's head back and start making our leaf prints," I announce, leading the way back to the ranch. "I can't wait to see your creative designs come to life."
The day promises to teach them about nature and instill a sense of creativity and imagination. As we walk back, I muse to myself about the simple joys of childhood and the memories we're creating together, not just as teachers and students but as fellow adventurers in the vast, beautiful world.
Back at the ranch's crafts area, I lay out sheets of paper and paint, demonstrating how to apply a thin coat of paint to one side of a leaf and then carefully press it onto the paper to leave a print. The children follow eagerly, their little hands working meticulously to create their leaf print masterpieces.
"Make sure to press gently," I advise them, watching as they dip into the paint with concentration. Emily looks up at me, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Like this, mom?" she asks, showing me her leaf coated in bright green.
"Exactly like that, sweetheart," I reply, encouraging her with a smile. She beams back at me and carefully presses her leaf onto the paper. It's heartwarming to see Emily so engaged, her focus intense, as she selects each leaf for her creation.
"This one's going to be the best yet!" she declares, and I can't help but agree.
This activity nurtures their creativity and encourages them to observe and appreciate the intricate designs of nature. As one of Beartooth Ranch's nature crafts teachers, my role is not just about crafting. It's about instilling a love for the natural world in these young minds.
"Look at the details on this leaf," I say, guiding a small hand to trace the veins of a maple leaf. "Nature is the best artist, don't you think?"
Seeing the joy and pride in their eyes as they hold up their finished prints fills me with a profound sense of fulfillment.
One curious child, eyes wide, asks, "Miss Mia, do you always feel happy working with nature?"
Smiling, I kneel to meet his gaze. "Yes, I do. There's something magical about it, Something that makes all my worries seem a little smaller. And seeing you all so engaged and excited makes everything worth it."
"Can we do more of this?" another child pipes up, eagerly holding a leaf.
"Absolutely," I laugh, my heart light. "The natural world is full of wonders waiting for us to explore. Every leaf and every stone has a story to tell. And I'm here to help you listen to those stories."
As the class nods and smiles, ready for the next adventure, I feel comforted that I fit in here. Not only that, but Emily also fits in here well and loves spending time at the ranch.
While I line them up for snack time in one of the dining rooms, I think about Jake and how he's busy with trail riding today. Dylan, who would have been in my class, had his riding lesson today, and it's probably still going on.
We're all supposed to have lunch together. I glance at the clock in excitement, my heart racing, as I am close to seeing Jake.
Chapter 7
~ Jake ~
Stormy Confessions
We race into the house after I unlock the door to escape the angry storm outside.
We had just left Beartooth Ranch, having all piled into my car this morning to head there altogether, and there's no way Mia and Emily will be able to go home again tonight.
The storm out there is a nasty one, and I'm surprised I was able to get us all here in one piece based on how much it's raining cats and dogs.
Emily is terrified of thunder, and her little body jumps every time a loud crack of lightning is heard. Dylan isn't scared of thunderstorms but appears worried for Emily as he bravely wraps an arm around her shoulders silently to show he'll protect her.
I'm proud of my son, whom I've always raised to protect his friends. He begins yawning after finishing the dinner at the ranch, and I'm not even surprised. I'm always amazed at how he can polish off two servings of food at his age.
