är-bə-ˈrē-təm

Aboretum: a place where trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants are cultivated for scientific and educational purposes

This month's field trip found us at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, a state park just outside of Superior.  There were definitely trees, shrubs, and lots of herbs.  And there were scientific educational efforts put forth by the adult chaperones.  How much of it sunk into the kids' brains remains to be seen.  But I think we all agree that we enjoyed some beautiful plants, including some enormous trees that I didn't know could exist around here.  We encouraged the kids to look, listen, and smell (the smells were great, but my allergies paid for it for a few days!).  And we again witnessed the vastly differing levels of stamina between Bree and Mason.  Bree can walk or hike all day with enjoyment, never complaining.  Mason, on the other hand...

Well, let's just say that this was a recurring sight behind me, often accompanied by, "My feet hurt.  Can you carry me?  Let's go back to the car."  Thankfully I had crackers in my pocket to lure him down the path.  So through constant enticements and encouragement, (though at times I had my doubts) he didn't actually get left behind.