November Weekend

Every day is special. Every weekend is super special. Sometimes weekends just go perfectly: everyone's needs are met, everyone's healthy and healthily expressing and feeling emotions, we get to do something extraordinary and memorable.

This weekend was one of them.

We took a wagon ride through the neighborhood to the Van Dyke look out, and then explored the "dark woods" (an awesome nature trail). Aidan and I had checked this trail out long ago when you were just born, Julia. It's been a long time coming; and it was worth it! 

Lot of fun running up and down the hill, exploring paths, choosing forks in the road, navigating our way back, exploring foliage and sticks and some red feathers...and entering dark tree-tunnels bravely!

We also got to do something special and memorable at Jump Street. Now that Julia's super four years old, she's old enough to go on the big kid elements...which means bigger trampolines and swinging into the foam pit...and that I get to jump with you!

We had face painting (courtesy of Mommy), costumes, and reading and parking

And then bubbles and cake and bikes to celebrate Yaya's birthday!

Special Memories. Wonderful Family.

These are the things that bind us.

Five Hours At the Park

Sunday November 13.The three of us headed down to the playground at the end of our street. Your agreed-upon request. You both put on special outfits for the trip. We brought our guitars, we brought some snacks, we were ready to get out in the beautiful weather and enjoy the sunshine. 

At first it was just the three of us at the park. 

Then the whole neighborhood, by happenstance, came out too!

The Long triplets; the Larson boys; one of the Raineys; the Bear triplets; our neighbor Grayson; and some new friends.

And we stayed and played and chatted with neighbors for FIVE hours!

There was swinging, and singing...

 

Duck ducking, and goosing...

Bike sharing and racing...

Ant hill and tiny frog exploring...

Some feelings, and drawings, and climbings, and kissings (Aidan, you and Zoe were smooching quite a bit) and lots and lots of smiles. 

Before we knew it, it was time to get ready for dinner. And our neighbors, and our family, all returned to our respective homes. 

It was a beautiful day, and beautiful to watch you all bonding and playing and learning from each other.

That's what neighborhoods are for. 

A Fair Day

One beautiful day, while Mommy was up at Fair Park, helping Aunt Sham with an art show, the three of us decided to venture off to Fair Park as well for our own adventure...and for a chance to see Mommy and Aunt Sham at work!

First stop: the Texas Discovery Gardens! This was particularly cool, because Mommy and I got married at the Discovery Gardens, just over 10 years ago and haven't been back since!

We enjoyed exploring the grounds, looking at the butterflies up close, checking out snakes and other critters, running around and playing, playing 'farmers market' and even watching them set up for another wedding that day (you guys played wedding for a little bit, which was hilarious and cute).

Then, we decided to go see Mommy and Aunt Sham. We brought along the plasma cars for some good, flat-surfaced, safe ridin'...and you guys nailed it! You rode them all the way from the Discovery Gardens to the Automotive Building:

I didn't get any pictures of it, but mission accomplished: we found Mommy and  Aunt Sham and even saw your teacher, Miss Mary, inside! It was a very cool flea market, and there were some cool 'tee-pees' you guys got to play in. But, it was a bit overwhelming, so we hugged everyone goodbye and decided to head 'home.'

But... both of you found even more places to have adventures!

First at the Old Mill, riding the ramp and throwing acorns in the pond:

Hanging out (and on) and 'feeding' the giant elephant statue...

And exploring the lagoon and walking the vast tentacles of the lagoon monster...

By that point, the sun was starting to set, and Mommy decided to come home with us after all.

Just as Mommy joined us, Aidan, you fell in the lagoon. You were very wet, and slimy, and scared. You and I had to go to the restroom to figure out a plan. It was very silly, and scary, and kind of traumatizing. You really really wanted to put your pajamas back on...but they were soaked. Fortunately, I had another pair of shorts. There were tears, and blow driers working over time, and we both go frustrated. But we worked through it, and you were so brave. Tough moments and challenges can arise even in the most beautiful of days. Today was a day of bugs, and butterflies, and bike riding, and lagoon navigation; but it also had some tears, some mistakes (on all of our parts), and some rupture and repair. I choose to remember both; the good and the not so good. That way we can enjoy what was awesome and learn from the mistakes so we can move forward...together.