Every Mother’s Day for the past three years, we have hit the trails at my favorite Virginia state park – Mason Neck – for a celebratory hike.  And for the past two years now, we have been surprised to find that our park, which is usually fairly quiet, is noisy with the sounds of kids laughing and owls hooting – it’s the annual Raptor Festival!  This year – once again – we didn’t plan for it, but were jazzed to find the festival in full swing as we arrived.  Nugget enjoyed greeting all of the characters – a bald eagle, an owl, and a fox park ranger – as we walked by.  (Peanut did not.)

First stop was the hiking trail, of course.  We were here for a hike and we were not leaving without it, no matter what else was going on.

Hello to the turtle pond!  The turtles were sunning themselves on logs, soaking up the warm late spring light.  Steve and I eyed the kayaks and discussed paddling out onto Belmont Bay next time we come – when it’s not so busy.

The hike was curtailed by a cloud of buzzing bees, but we got a good stretch of the legs and some lovely scenery before turning back.  Neither of the kids were feeling it, anyway.  There was way too much excitement and too many fun things to do – the trails were not enticing today.

First up: raptor talk #1.  We met a barred owl, a great horned owl, and a teeeeeeeeeny tiny screech owl.  Peanut was in bird heaven.  (New friends: she’s obsessed with birds of prey.)

We did some fishing.  I managed to get away without taking any free swag home, and Peanut scared several older boys away from the pool.

There were horseback rides.  Nugget spotted the horses from all the way over on the playground and begged for a ride.  Peanut wasn’t into the idea at all, but as soon as she saw her brother up on “Mickey,” looking for all the world like a natural…

Saw that coming.  They both had a fantastic time.

We treated ourselves to egg sandwiches for lunch, and then it was time for raptor talk #2.

Seriously, why are screech owls so stinking cute?

It was a busy, wild morning, but I had so much fun.  There’s nothing I love better than being outdoors, unless it’s doing fun things for the kiddos.  When you get to combine both – it’s a clear win.

Happy Mother’s Day, again, to all of my friends!  I hope you had a wonderful time celebrating with the moms in your life!