Greenery

Yesterday we went to Frederik Meijer Gardens with my mother-in-law, Paula. This was Baylor's first chance to really enjoy the Children's Garden, and he was excited about it, though I doubt he had any clue what a children's garden was before this.

First up, we visited the Great Lakes, a little raised pool area where kids can float boats and splash around. Baylor was more of a spectator, watching all the kids bustle about around him.


There are fun animal tracks in the pavement in the Children's Garden and these particular bird tracks looked like arrows. Baylor was very excited.

Then we went to the giant sandbox. Baylor didn't seem to want to get too messy, bless his heart, and dug in the sand while staying put on the pavement. It was here that he had his first really negative interaction with another kid. A little girl of about two or two-and-a-half was hoarding all the shovels and sifters in the area near my boy. When an adult took one of the tools from her and gave it to Baylor, she threw sand in his face! Being the pacifist he is, my boy just stood there, while the little girl was whisked away by her Mom to a time out on the rocks nearby. Baylor then just went right back to digging.

All through the Children's Garden there are little places to explore, including this cave-like area. Perfect size for the little man, wouldn't you say?

I just love the way he runs with his whole body!

Then it was back to the Great Lakes for a little more outdoor play time. (Yes, I know he's supposed to have shoes on ... soon after this picture was taken we got him resoled.)

Mollie blissfully slept through all the activities.

On our way out of the Children's Garden, Baylor checked out a little splashing area. The little girl in the yellow shirt there ended up putting her foot over that sprayer and got Baylor all wet! He was not amused.

They have some lovely flowers at the Gardens, and this visit I was most impressed by this throng of newly blossomed Shasta daisies. Just beautiful!

More full-bodied running!

After enjoying a while out in the sun, we headed inside to see the turtles. This, of course, meant a ride on the elevator! Hands down, Baylor's favorite part of the day.

Before we went to see the turtles, Baylor had to stop and check out the drinking fountains.

"Look, Mom! Two at once!"

One lone turtle was swimming around, but that was enough to fascinate Little B ... for a minute or two, anyways.

After we left the Gardens, we went to my parents' house to check on their pool. It was quite close to lunch time, so we snuck inside for a second to grab a quick snack (Scrabble Cheez-Its and breastmilk ... I'll let you guess who had what). While we were in there, Baylor took it upon himself to get the watering can out and pretend water some of the house plants.

Sadly, this is how the pool looked.

Lime green is a gorgeous color in general, but the pool is supposed to be blue and clear. Long story short with the pool, I dumped in two bottles of copper solution today and it probably won't be fixed until at least next week.

Looks like Baylor's kiddie pool is gonna get a lot of action this holiday weekend!