Presidents Day Park

Well, I couldn't just let our fun Monday together be constituted with a trip to the Dentists office only. So with clean smiles and clean teeth, we headed to a playground. I had lunches packed and ready to go. I just needed a destination. The two of you eagerly and amicably chose "Pirate Ship Park" down by the lake...and much fun was had and many new skills were displayed.

It was unseasonably warm for a February day in Dallas, and we took major advantage.

We also heard and then finally spotted the mythical, much rumored White Rock Green Parrots! It's a sign of good luck to spot these beauties, and we saw them! Can you find them in the pictures below?

You took turns 'racing' around the work-out station barrier...

...and Aidan, you were so sweet to your sister.

We had an amazing time together that day...

Just when I figured the two of you were ready to go home, you surprised me with more activities. 

You were trees...

You were hill-side soccer stars...

You were castaways...

You were kerplunkers and fisherman and explorers...

We were together, and will always be together, no matter where the world may take us. Unlike a certain soccer ball that drifted away into nothingness on White Rock Lake, I know that even when we're older and days at the park may seem as interesting as a trip to the dentist, that we will always be there for each other. I love you both so much. 

The Year of the Monkey

Last year's Chinese New Year festivities left such an impression on both of you, that you were excited to go again. I was too!

 

Remember last year how we didn't know that the Lion/Dragons would demand to be fed money, so you Aidan fed them trash and they bit your butt? Not this year! That's right: your daddy remembered cash this year!

 

So with cash in hand, we sweatered up, loaded up, and headed to downtown Dallas.

 

Aidan, last year you were decidedly unafraid of the lion dancers. This year was definitely no different. You are bold, brave, strong, and curious, and you eagerly went up to many different Chinese New Year lion dancers to feed them money and pet them.

 

 

 

Julia, last year, you did not like the Lions. You didn't want anything to do with them. You were glued to my lap. You cried. But...then again, you were excited to go back this year.

 

2016 Chinese New Year didn't look like it was going to be any different for you. I mean...just look at the look on your face.

But...then you got a little brave and left my lap to go near one of the lions...

Then, perhaps inspired by your brother's "enthusiasm" you happily and willingly ventured even closer and closer:

And then, in a moment of pure courage...you reached out and TOUCHED one of them!

You were so proud of yourself, and I was (and am) too! Way to go, Jules!

 

 

The lions had to stop dancing eventually, so the three of us enjoyed some live music...

 

 

...some costumes...

...some selfies...

 

 

...and then made our way over to Klyde Warren Park for running and playing...

 

...cool snacks on the ever-warming day...

 

... a quick and ill-advised, but still fun- dip:

 

 

...and then some soaking wet swing-dancing lessons!

 



 

You know...just a father, daughter, and son monkeying around downtown to ring in the year of the monkey!