"sinking in"

I was thinking more about a conversation I had recently that led to lego-land and PB sandwiches as  highlights expressed by children after engaging in rich nature experiences provided by parents. It got me thinking that experiences in the natural world must have  a "sinking-in" process that is not easily measured by the observer or companion and perhaps the child in these cases.  And then it got me thinking whether children have the vocab to describe the meanings or feelings generated from the experience and its significance to them. This can be hard to put one's finger on as an adult! It's much easier to express their joy for lego-land and PB sandwiches - right!? These experiences and their results are much more immediate and perhaps overshadow the deep imprints of the natural world...for the time being. Thus I have to believe and hope as a parent trying to cultivate rich experiences for my child in the natural world, that these early impressions are there, taking shape and transforming inside them, over time. Ultimately how each individual experiences, absorbs them, holds onto them gives shape and influence over time.