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Some of my fondest childhood memories are of the great outdoors and animals. My parents loved anythng outside and they instilled that deep love in me. I hope to do the same with my two children also.

One of the biggest things that I remember enjoying as a child was our weekend fishing trips. I loved those. In the height of summer we would load up the car with ice chests filled with snacks and drinks, we would load up lawn chairs and blankets, and then we would gather the fishing poles and tackle. Then we would head out to a local river or lake and spend a wonderful day out there. I was lucky to have grown up in the breathtaking beauty of Central Oregon which is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise. Everywhere there is a wealth of outdoor opportunities. So my family would choose somewhere new to go each weekend. What fun for a child.

Once out there in those big woods I was able to do a bit of fishing and exploring. We would always see deer, elk, and chipmunks everywhere. Plus the wonderful Jackrabbits that I would chase and follow to watch. The vast abundance of birds were also fun for a child to watch. It seemed like there was an adventure or treasure behind every tree or rock.

My parents also always made a big deal out of making me play outside when I was a child. If it was summer then I was out exploring our own back yard. And if it was snowing then I was building snowmen and igloos all bundled in a cozy snowsuit. When spring came and the flowers first showed their heads I loved to pick bouquets for the elderly in the neighborhood and deliver them.

I was also allowed to plant a garden each year beside my Dads big garden. This little outdoor world I was allowed to fill with whatever I wished to grow. I would pick carrots, potatos, radishes, and squash. I also tried my hand at watermelons, pumpkins, and cantalopes. I was never ever able to grow my own Halloween pumpkin that I so desired, though. And I'm not sure why but they never grew very big. But I sure tried and loved every minute of it.

My mother would also buy me butterfly nets and wonderful insect houses where I would collect various bug species. I remember hunting those catapillars, butterflies, moths, and Junebugs every year with relish. I would house them in my elaborate bug hotels and then set them free.

Today my babies are only one and four months but already my daughter loves the outdoors. We are lucky to live on a vast five acres that she can explore. I already have hard time keeping her inside. When she wakes up in the morning she wants us to head outside to play. She already takes joy in simply watching an ant mound or seeking out the different bird species outside. She will follow the birds and rabbits and laugh. Its wonderful the way she takes such enjoyment out of it all. So I hope that she will grow up with a great love of animals and nature just like I was blessed to do.

Learn more about this author, Kim Sharpe.
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