The Great Outdoors

Saturday we had the misfortune of having to go into the office for a while to do some stuff. The whole family went along, including the dog! The kids worked on homework for a while, the dog practiced his 'therapy dog' behaviors, Michael was doing computer networking, and I finished up a bunch of things for the Chemistry themed party Thursday.

Within a few hours the kids, dog and I were done and headed off to the park across the street. I LOVE this particular park because the trees are HUGE and OLD. They offer so much shade in the summer that you can stay cool even in the hottest temps. The boys played on the playground equipment while Cole and I took a walk.

The air was perfumed with the blossoming trees, shrubs and bushes while the melody of a piano played from a neerby wedding in the park's gazebo. Cole couldn't decide which way to look as fat northern grey squirrels darted in every direction totally unafraid of people or dogs. I couldn't stop smiling because of all the vibrant color, aromatic smells, and suite music. I don't think I've ever seen such a glorious day in all my life.

I scooped up the boys and we all walked down to the tennis courts to burn off some of Coles anxious energy from watching the squirrels. As soon as he got into the gate the boys let him off lead and just giggled and laughed as they chased him all around the enclosure. When he settled down we went outside the gates and the boys and dog played tag on the expansive observatory area for the cities courts. They had a blast running UP the steep stairs, but were a little more cautious on the way down so as not to plummet to the ominous cement below.

After the courts we took the long way back to our car and saw several couples in wedding attire getting their pictures taken in the park along with oodles and oodles of attendants in brightly colored dresses. We passed one old tree which had a hollowed out section (probably an old squirrel nest) that was now inhabited by large bumble bees. We actually heard them before we saw them, that's how large and loud this hive was. Cole looked inquisitively at the strange sound, but we gave the tree a wide berth when passing by and made our way to the skate park where we observed some amazing feats. We did eventually find the car and some cool water to drink and rest our happy feet.

WOW what a trip to the great outdoors! I love Fargo Springs!