Afternoon at the Arboretum

We've had a very mild summer so far. It's kind of ridiculous actually...mid-70's, lots of rain, rarely a hot day and mid-80's for the highest temp if that. Needless to say, we've gotten outside a LOT to enjoy the mild temps, and puddles, while they last. Last week, I took the kids to the Arboretum to enjoy a cool day, with fun in the rock river and all. We packed a picnic lunch and enjoyed that with our friend, the red-winged blackbird (who was very keen to eat our food). The kids enjoyed checking out the tadpole pond (very crowded) and the rock river (not crowded at all!). Annabel got soaking wet and she loved it; she thought she was hilarious. The kids had fun trying to dam up the water, as always. We checked out the slides, climbing areas, and bridges in the Children's Garden, too. Annabel wanted to try the water pumps and of course she got even wetter- oh the smiles on her face, as she lets the water run down her belly- I'll let her get as wet as she wants just to see that beaming, purely joyful smile. We had a great outing that day and I'm glad we finally made it back there!