Springing Ahead

We seem to be experiencing an early spring this week, yet as a lifelong midwesterner I cannot believe it will last.  I'm sure we'll be wearing our down jackets on Easter Sunday.  But even before this warm front blew our way, the boys and I had a taste of good things to come when we headed out of state to visit some beautiful gardens.

The advantage of having children who rise early on the weekends is that we were on our way well before 8 o'clock.  Two hours and one bathroom stop later, we arrived in Milwaukee.    Closed entrance ramps,  a series of  one way roads and (seemingly) the world's longest viaduct conspired against us.  We never did find the children's museum.  Instead we made a serendipitous discovery and visited the Mitchell Park Domes.   

I loved being able to walk through these plant communities without a jacket.  The boys loved running along the paths and trying to spot unique features.  Of course they enjoyed the train garden temporary exhibit (talk about timing!) but they also loved the rainforest waterfall and the desert landscapes.  The warmth of the sun streaming into the domes reminded me that that spring is around the corner and the long, lazy days of summer will follow soon after.  Not a bad way to spend a Saturday if I do say so myself!

A sun calendar--even before we entered the domes,  Henry was in his element!

Train Garden Stop

 throwing pennies in the river

Checking out the desert flora

Live music and hula hoops--a good time was had by all!