We have a car at our disposal this week (normally my husband has the car for work) and so we are planning to get outdoors every single day!
Today we chose to visit an old favourite of ours, Jupiter Wildlife Reserve in Grangemouth. We haven’t visited since last autumn and we were looking forward to exploring it again. Our usual activity there is pond dipping, but as it’s still very much winter up here in Scotland I knew that wouldn’t be happening.
When we arrived we headed through the reserve to see what state the largest pond was in and as I had expected the water was frozen solid! The pond itself was a lot higher than in the summer, coming up and over the walkway in some areas, making it very icy and slippy. It was a little worrying that it was creaking as we walked across, even though I knew it was just the ice cracking and rubbing against the wood. We didn’t stay too long as I was a bit concerned with Mr 2, he can be quite reckless compared to his brother at this age, which isn’t a great thing near frozen ponds!
We did find a little fish on top of the board walk, not frozen. Perhaps the Heron we disturbed had dropped it?
I managed to persuade Mr A away from the ponds and into the wild wild woods where we could build a den. There are lots of great den building sticks lying around and we had soon built a fantastic looking den. Mr O was very proud and happily ate his lunch inside whilst watching trains on the nearby track.
Little Mr A is a completely different character to his brother at this age, where Mr O would have been cautious and go wherever I was going without much convincing, Mr A is VERY stubborn and if he finds a puddle he does NOT want to leave, he couldn’t care less that O and I were walking away to explore further, he was happy in his element (i.e. water). He’s also not a hand holder, but fortunately when I shout STOP he does stop straight away, I assume it’s because he is not used to me shouting and it gives me enough of a chance to get to him before he does something silly like step into a deep pond! Oh well, I apparently was the same with water at his age…
It was a gorgeous day and although a bit chilly, the blue skies made up for it and a beautiful sunset later in the day.
Are the ponds near you still frozen during the day? Do your kids enjoy den building?
J x
Emma says
What a fantastic den you all buult. Looks like a lovely place to visit #whatevertheweather
Sarah says
We love building dens! Yours is awesome – well done boys. Poor little fishy – I wonder what happened 🙁 Great pictures Jenny. Sarah #whatevertheweather
Little Miss & Mummy (Eve) says
I’ve not done this in years!
I’ve built dens inside the house using blankets (a broke my favourite candle holder), but I don’t know why I’ve not thought about doing it outside….Thank you for the idea x
Mama OWL Blog | Jooleroo says
Oh gosh how fun, I remember woodland walks and den building with my kids a few years back when they were smaller. Three of them are teenagers now and I do miss those days, there is no way they would get out and do it now sadly. Enjoy these precious times, they do go by so quickly. #whatevertheweather
Kate, Baby Routes says
Lovely spot for kids and what a fab den! Would have been worried about the frozen pond too…love kids for their sense of adventure but they don’t half keep you on your toes!
Let kids be kids says
Frozen ponds are always a fascination to my children too. They love playing with the ice and trying to break it. Looks like a lovely place, perfect for outdoor fun and exploration. #Whatevertheweather
Sherry says
Oh I love dens! I so want to visit Scotland and your posts aren’t letting that want fade away! Thanks for hosting x
Sarah - Craft Invaders says
Great Den, and lovely pictures. The lake I visit hasn’t frozen totally this year – just at the edges, so overall its been pretty mild down here. No snow either 🙁
Midgie says
You can’t beat a spot of Den Building – my pre-schoolers love it and they get such a lot from it! Just signed up to join in with Save the Children’s Den Day – any excuse!! We had loads of snow in Normandy over half term and the lake there froze!
Wee Green Folk says
Looks lovely. We found a frozen puddle, does that count?! Lovely day in Northern Ireland as well. Blue skies and nice to get into fresh air. No den building yet but my 2 year old loves woodland playgrounds for a bit of adventure while the baby munchs on rice cakes in the buggy. Everyone happy:-)
Erin @ Nourishing My Scholar says
What a lovely day! Was the fish that you found still alive? Our temps are warming up and I’m already starting to see spring blossoms. I hope it keeps it up. I’m ready!
Caroline (Becoming a SAHM) says
Looks like a fab outing and that is such an awesome den! I would be so nervous near the frozen ponds as LM is the same as your A and adores puddles and would desperately want to get into the pond! Xx
Hannah G says
This looks like a really fun day out, we’re always making dens at home with our Toddler but haven’t yet made a den outside. I think we’ll definitely be giving it a go next time we’re in the woods 🙂 #whatevertheweather x
Becky @lakessinglemum says
looks like chilly fun!
Harry's Honest Mummy says
What a great den builder you are! My son would love going on a walk with you 🙂 #whatevertheweather
Kelly Robinson says
We are yet to try den building. My son is just getting to the age where he would thoroughly enjoy it. We need to find somewhere around here that has good branches to do it with. We once found a goldfish in our front garden that we reckon a heron dropped! #Whatevertheweather
Mae says
I love outdoor time in the winter. Blue skies and leafless trees make me smile. #whatevertheweather
Chloe says
What a gorgeous sunset! Evie is stubborn too and hates leaving puddles. I love your den!!! We never have wood big enough to make dens in our woods. I’d love to go and explore a proper forest. I bet it’s beautiful there in spring and summer. I’ve never seen a frozen lake before, I know it must seem like such a normal thing to you, but I’d love to see one. x
Me, You and Magoo says
Love the den! We haven’t had much ice & frost here…mainly grey & damp. Much prefer cold & clear days to all the greyness we’ve had recently #whatevertheweather
Training Mummy says
Can’t wait for the summer so that we can go camping in the south and visit places like this! Looks lovely.
Becky at PinksCharming says
Wow your den is amazing!! they look like they’re having such a wonderful time, and it looks like a beautiful day, though I bet it was freezing! Becky x x #whatevertheweather