A few weeks ago when the kids and I were home enjoying our little end of summer togetherness, we took a walk over to a new park near our house.
If you look closely, you'll see a rainbow in the fountain in this shot. That pretty much blew Leo and Ellie's minds. That was a good ten minute conversation right there.
For years, this waterfront area--which is also a reservoir--lay dormant and inaccessible (with barbed wire and angry "Keep Out" signs). I always thought it was such a wasted space and would make such a perfect walkway or park or something. Well, developers must have heard my complaining because this summer, they finally turned this little corner of New Jersey into a perfectly lovely little oasis complete with a delightful walkway/path, park and paddle boats.
It reminded me a little of some parks of my youth: Laurelhurst, the Rhododendron Gardens.
It may not shock you to learn that in spite of my spirited sense of adventure, I did not brave paddle boats with four small children by myself. Of course Ellie was quite disappointed and couldn't figure out why we couldn't take a spin (check out the sweet swan boats!).
It was hot. Leo, in spite of the smoothie we picked up on the way to the park, was thirsty and tired. In fact, after our walk along the water, he sat down right by the boat dock for a rest. But I have to give him credit. He was a trooper. I know he tends to tire easily and he walked the whole way (round trip was over a mile I'd bet) without too much grumbling.
We didn't stay too long at the park once we'd completed the walk along the water. Lucy started to get restless. I've taken to calling her Defcon Seven (not to her face of course). Because when she needs something? She needs it RIGHT NOW! And she repeats herself. Over and over and over: MOMMY! I want out of the stroller! I want out of the stroller Mommy! Mommy I want out of the stroller! It may not shock you to learn that she's growing more and more anti-stroller by the day, but still can't be trusted near large bodies of water. But I see many more outings in the future at this glorious park, which will be even more fun when we're out of the Two Toddlers Running In Opposite Directions Stage of Life that we're currently in.
