nature walk

our visit to Colorado has made me realize how little we've taken advantage of the gorgeous outdoors at home. So without further ado, yesterday MG (our 1 1/2 year old) and I struck out on a nature adventure. We're blessed to live within walking distance of one of the most beautifully designed and most expansive (50-acres!) public gardens in the area. We enjoyed every minute, but sadly I forgot the camera. However, we did bring back a few treasures that we found on the ground to share with you and our home.

I haven't discovered what these are, but I'm sure one of you does, so please let me know. They're about the size of a large grapefruit, they fall from trees, and they have a faint quasi-citrusy smell that I can't decide whether I like or not. I think I recall that they might be poisonous...but they do make a good display........

These are gorgeous leaves from a Ginkgo tree, which apparently is one of the oldest tree species on the planet. I love the fan-like leaves, they'd make a great subject for a painting.

Hope you're enjoying a lovely weekend!