Carter really made good use of our modest snowfall last week, and made sure to go out at least a couple of times everyday. I was at work most of the days, but stayed home with the kids Thursday. Later in the afternoon Paul was able to play with Carter in that rough way that moms usually just don’t do.
The kids had nearly all of last week off due to a winter storm—it really is true that winter weather stops some places completely. Cole has a headcold bothering him and sapping his energy, so he only played a bit. Bunny is entering her “bedroom cocoon” years, so she really wasn’t into playing outside with her doofy family (I like to do an impression of Pearl, Mr. Krabs’ daughter on Spongebob for Paul: “Daddy, you’re EMbarrasing me!”). Carter, however, was ALL ABOUT THE SNOW.
This weekend we officially celebrated Carter’s 8th birthday with a party at a bounce place in town. I tell you, those places have it down to a science, and it was exactly what Carter had wanted. He loves bouncers almost more than anything—except Lego Star Wars, which was the theme. ;)
I am so happy he enjoyed his party as much as he did. :) It also was a special treat that his Grandma & Gramps, plus his Aunt & Uncle, and cousins were there to celebrate.
Donuts in the morning, legos in the afternoon, Star Wars in the evening, breakfast for dinner, triple chocolate brownies for dessert, and a candle to note the year, all his requests. We love you to the moon and back, little guy, and have enjoyed immensely these eight years with you. We can’t wait to learn what your future holds and cherish being able to journey with you.
Did you know the zig zag bridges in classic Zen gardens are designed to keep out evil spirits? At J.C. Raulston Arboretum the Japanese Garden is one of many theme gardens. Meant to be a place of contemplation and serenity, my family obviously could only stay for a brief while before the rascals among us grew restless.
Carter loved the koi. He always loves koi.
Near the “Necessary” are a wonderful display of tender perennials, most of which had huge leaves and heady scents. Also, I think I want to call the bathroom the “necessary” from now on. How funny would that be, to be so delicate that I could only make the most vague of suggestions about certain “necessities?” After ~12 yrs of parenthood, I am constantly amazed by the things I will say now, so the mismatch of asking my kids if they need to visit the “necessary” amuses me. ;)
And then there was the Rose Garden. I love roses, but have grown tired of their neediness. So, I’m not sure I’d be into having a full-on garden of roses… all the more reason to appreciate others’ gardens! Adjacent to the roses is grouping of marble statues called Italian Reflections, which was pretty. It’ll be nice to revisit the area in spring when the wisteria are blooming.
This next photo is not so great, but it makes me laugh.
A while back, Bunny told me, when I was standing in front of her combing her hair, that my armpits were “too deep.” I really don’t know how that even is a *thing* but well, as you can see… They are extra ‘pitty.’
While the kids and I had a great time at Bass Lake Day, we knew we’d have to return soon with Paul to show him what a nice place the park is, and to explore beyond the small part we saw that day, which really was only one building and an adjacent grassy area.
There is a perimeter trail around the lake, amounting to about 1.5 miles, but at this time the trail does not fully circle the lake—sooo close—so hikers need to backtrack. (A map inside the nature center says the trail is meant to be completed in spring 2014 and needs one last bridge.)
I became mildly obsessed with the turtles found everywhere a decent sized log protrudes from the water.
Seriously, the buggers were everywhere (well, everywhere logs popped up from water) and I just love the way their heads look.
We also came across ample evidence of busy, busy beavers.
Then Bunny became a little more than mildly obsessed with the concept that she could find a beaver, catch it, name “her” Mrs. Beaverson (and she added she didn’t care if it was a girl or not), and…. well, she didn’t have a plan beyond that. Good thing we never found a beaver.
After we walked (almost) around the lake and then back again, we enjoyed a picnic on the verandah around the Visitor Center, Bunny and I went inside the Nature Center where the attendant kindly took out a hognose snake for us to see up close, and we spent some time hanging out on the dock in the late afternoon warmth.
