Real Picnic in the Park

This afternoon, we packed up our lunch, tossed everything into the wagon, and headed for a family picnic in Wash Park. We spent several hours lounging in the shade, playing in the grass, letting Blanden crawl and explore, and watching Belle splash in the irrigation ditches. Over the course of several hours, we think Blanden managed to eat a full lunch, as we kept handing him little bites of turkey, cheese, bread, avocado, fruit, a toddler cereal bar, and oatmeal-chocolate chip cookies (a big hit!) as he would pass by us on the blanket, then was off on another adventure.

Mini Picnic at the Park

Today, as we do on many days, Blanden, Belle, and I took a midmorning break to venture to our neighborhood park. We have heard from our cousins in Wisconsin that the heat has arrived there -- as it has here. During summertime in Colorado, it's best to enjoy being outside before it hits 90-plus -- and before the afternoon thunderstorms roll in.

Ah, water. If only we could actually swim in this lake; it looks inviting. But alas, even Belle is not allowed to swim in here, so we are content to be near it.

Snack time.

Even at the park, Belle is still a favorite toy. Blanden spent a good 20 minutes chasing her in circles around her leash and climbing on top of and over her. She won't tolerate that in the house, but today she was just content to be outside too.

I'm getting so big! Can you tell standing is a new favorite activity? :)

And, like a true toddler, he headed straight for the dirt. Look at those knees! The shoes and socks came off shortly thereafter, but not before they, too, needed a good washing when we got home.