Consumnes River Preserve

On Monday we went to the Consumnes River Preserve in Galt.  It was a beautiful day and we enjoyed a long walk around the wetlands.  We started on the River Walk trail and ended on Wetlands Walk trail.  We did not walk the entire trail but did go pretty far.  Ava did well, but we had to take turns carrying her part of the way.  We did take a break on a bench and ate lunch while we watched the many birds swim in the water.  By the time we made it to the car we were all tired and ready for a rest.  It was a fun day and I think we all enjoyed the beautiful nature created for us by a loving Heavenly Father.

Ava excited and singing as we start our walk.

Ava consulted the map and trying to figure out where we need to go.

Ava looking at me with her binoculars.

Rich and Ava using binoculars to see the birds.

Ava and Rich heading down the trail.

Rich showing Ava a Cattail.

Ava started getting tired and got a ride on Rich's shoulders.  I love this picture because she pulled just the thumb part of her glove off to suck it.  It has been a really challenge trying to get her to stop sucking her thumb.

Rich is such a good daddy.

Rich took a picture of me setting up to take some pictures of some thistles I thought were interesting.

Me trying to get Ava to take a picture with me.  She kept running away.

I finally got her to stop for a minute, but this is the best smile we could get before she took off running again.  At least she was enjoying herself.

A big loud train came by and of course Ava plugged her ears.

I love shadow pictures.

The lighting wasn't great (too bright) but at least we got a picture of all of us together.

This is where we ate our lunch.  There really were hundreds of birds, but you can't tell from this picture.

Ava was so excited to use my camera and take a picture of Rich and I.  She used a remote plugged into the side.

Again, not the greatest picture due to the lighting, but it is nice to have another photographer in the family to get pictures of the two of us together.