#bergen_county

At four months old, CJ can lift his head and focus with great determination! he can even grab things and put them into his mouth

"No, honey" Tove says as she keeps him from swallowing a tree leaf as they move through the forest trail

Jaymes moves at the start of the trail, making sure it is clear. It is a family outting

And Dagmar ...Dagmar did not get much of an option in this

Dagmar, it seems, has the rear guard.

The good news is, she was allowed to invite a friend. Nadeen, May, or Lupe

which, the teenager may have heard as Nadeen, May AND Lupe

It's a glorious day, the heat of the sun is offset not only by thick tree canopy, but also a breeze that winds it's way through

Or she might have decided a 'hike for no reason' would not make her popular

No, no need to drag out her friends for this.

"Jaymes, this is a lovely outing but, it seems rather whimsical for you" Tove says

Jaymes grunts then says "Dagmar loves nature. I want CJ to appreciate it too. "

"I think he's trying to eat it."

Tove laughs softly at that "Yes, and he's getting better about coordination so I'm worried he might succeed" She does keep him from snatching at leaves

Jaymes jaw nods (Good. Foraging is an important skill)

Of course, it's not just a forest, to fae, every forest is an ENCHANTED forest.

For example, there are not just squirrels, but RAINBOW streaked squriels

That bounce and chitter, leaving little rainbow light trails behind them

Dagmar likes the critters, of course. Squirrels are fun to watch!

Oh some are fighting over nuts and berries with each other, mostly fussing, sometimes a tussle.

Then a wingwolf swoops down, snaps one up

And ends the fight

CJ has a look on his face like 'holy shit'

Tove looks at Jaymes "Well, our son is now traumatized. "

Wince!

"I don't think CJ really... processes that stuff yet."

"It was the movement that attracted him." Jaymes says rather proud his son saw things though human babies see things all the time adult humans miss so i'ts not a sign he's sure to be kith

"My apologies" A voice says, Jumper calls from a branch above

He has swallowed his meal " I did not mean to hunt so close to your pack. And I mean no aggression"

"Unless you are a squirrel" Tove mutters

CJ actually grins to see a wolf, with wings! It's like TWO Bit, but bigger

"Well... wolf's gotta eat."

"Yes, are you hunting yourselves?" Jumper asks Dagmar, who he knows the best

"We're hiking."

"What is.. hiking?" Jumper has never heard of such a thing

"Um. Walking to walk?"

"Huh... odd. Seems a strange way to burn energy you'll need on a hunt. Play is fun but just walking?"

Jaymes shoots the wolf a look "It's good exercise, and lets my kids grow to appreciate nature"

CJ reaches a hand ,but it will not stretch the extra five feet and touch the wolf's fur. Oh tragedy

Jumpter ponders this, then whispers to Dagmar "Your akela loves you, but he is a bit odd"

"We're introducing CJ to the woods."

"He is, yeah."

"What sort of things do you wish to introduce him to? Some si not so nice." A grin "Farhowl got himself in some poison ivy" A laugh

"NICE things" Tove says firmly

"Oh jeez, poor Farhowl."

"He got lathered up in the right mud. it helped. he's better now" Jumper says "And don't worry you are not near the poison Ivy.. though... you light to watch bright things?" He looks where the rainbow squriels WERE

They sure aint' sticking their heads out now that there is a skywolf about

"I do, even if they are also tasty."

"I mean, cows are fun to watch, too, but I'm not giving up hamburgers..."

"Oh, follow me then" Jumper says "Akela , your pack. I can show them something that I think they will like"