Whispering Woods Park

Today we explored another park near us.

Whispering Woods Park.

We enjoyed a quick lunch and snacks.

Some nice scenery.

 

And although the trail was short (only .15 miles) and we walked the loop in 5 minutes, we still had a fun time. 

 

We found a little mini dirt trail off to the side. 

 

And then another little trail off of that one,

And it led to this really pretty little creek area.

 

 

 

Other than nearly dying by becoming within an inch of this nasty spider, we had a great time. 

It's always fun to find such a gorgeous scenic area in the middle of the city!

Dinner

Someone posted on Facebook today that parenting is not for the weak. I laughed when I read it becuase that is exactly how I feel tonight. Ryan is off nerding it out at a card game tournament. Too bad we didn't have someone to watch the kids otherwise I'd be there with him. We've been getting into board games lately, and we play almost every night. 

Recipe for this dinner (http://shallwecook.blogspot.com/2010/09/tuna-casserole-from-scratch.html)

So I had to quickly leave work this evening to go get the kids so that Ryan could go to his tournament. Both kids were a little sad to leave him and they did not want to stay with me. As soon as I got home I started to make dinner becuase I was starving. I thought, "Hey, I'll put a movie on for the kids too keep them occupied while I finish making dinner." If only it were that simple. Both wanted my full attention, and anything they could think of in the kitchen. I cannot cook with little kids at my feet. Finally they stopped pestering me and were occupied for all of 20 seconds before I heard a loud bang. Next thing I know Ari runs into the kitchen with blood dripping down her face and can barely catch a breath. Finally I got her to calm down enough to hold a rag to her nose. Apparently she was climbing on our ottoman, which was next to the window, and fell hitting the molding. She has a little scratch under her nose, and on her hip. I'm just glad she didn't break her nose, or worse. 

Meanwhile, Hunter was being a perfect angel...I only wish. He was throwing balls all over the house, including in the kitchen where I was attempting to make dinner. After countless reminders to stop throwing, and not stopping, he found himself in his room in timeout.

After dinner the kids enjoyed bathtime and I enjoyed getting splashed by water and cleaning up the puddles all over the floor. 

Now for some relax time and hopes for a good night rest since I'll be up bright and early in the morning. 

September

We started September with a gorgrous hike. It was supposed to be 2 miles to the waterfall. We walked about 2.25 miles and had no waterfall in view. The kids were starting to get tired, so we decided to head back. I ended up carrying Hunter pretty much the whole way back while he slept.

I was in a minor car accident. The other guy merged into my lane as we were turning, hitting my car in the proccess. He felt bad, appologized and admited it was his fault right away. We are still waiting on repairs, but at least damage wasn't bad. 

His car

My Car

Grades came in from last term. All A's again! 

Our biggest accomplishment this month has been potty training Hunter. I tried the 3 day method - no diaper, and taking him pee every half an hour. He did great! the first day he had 2 accident. Both only pee right in front of the toilet. He peed and pooped in the toilet! The second day he only had 1 accident. In the bathoom as well. And he did both pee and poop in the toilet. Day 3 was again great. I don't think he had any accident that day. I was worried about going back to work, and if he'd keep up the progress while I was gone. Ryan took him out several times with a diaper on, when he came home the diaper was dry and he ran to the toilet and peed right away. Ryan took him out and he chose special Planes underwear that he loves to wear. He's bee doing great running to the toilet when he has to go, and has had only a few accident. 

Arianna is looking way too grown up!

The kids enjoy a rare moment of sharing the ipad without any fighting. 

                                   Cuddles with daddy

Air hockey with daddy

Enjoying our nature walks while we still can before it gets too cold and rainy.

Bundling up!

Hyland Woods Park

I've been becoming more aware of how important play is for children. Young children especially. The way that kids play now is so different from our parents and grandparents. We have modern playgrounds full of slides, swings and other fun stuff. With ipads and computer games readily available for kids, they are losing their ability to create and make stuff. In schools recess and play time are decreased and children are expected to sit still at a desk for the majority of the day. I'm kind of terrified to send Ari to school next year. Anyone who knows Ari knows that she is an active little girl. She loves to socialize and she loves to play! As a parent I want to encourage my kids to be active, creative and kind. 

So I found this website about a month ago that this guy made showing trips he took with his family to various parks around the area. He did a little review of each one and took several pictures. One that caught my interest was Hylan Woods Park (Hyland Woods Nautral Area it's called now). 

A good friend and I took our kids there yesterday. It has a nice walking trail, and it had what's called natral play areas. Basically set areas off the trail that children are allowed to play in the woods. 

There were several long sticks and logs set aside to make tepes or little forts. Several were made throughout the trails. The kids loved playing inside them and building more. We spent a good 2 hours walking the trails and letting the kids be creative and play. 

Howard M. Terpenning

I think it's safe to say that we like playing at the park. This summer we went to many around the area. We are increddibly lucky to live in a district that takes really good care of their parks. They are always very well maintained and there are so many so close to us.



Looking for Magic Fairy holes

There is a nice covered park right next to the rec center down the road from us. There are also walking paths, baseball fields and basketball courts next to the park. 

Perfect playground

Monkey Girl!

Hunter's favorite swing

Me and my girl!

Summer 2014

I think it's safe to say that we've had a pretty fun summer. I'm sad to see it go, but I'm glad we were able to enjoy the outdoors and sunshine as much as we did!