Off the beaten path...

We found a great nature preserve park and playground today.  It's about 20 minutes from our house.  Of course when you have to stop at Burger King for their dollar menu chicken tenders, then find that it is impossible to turn left as you exit, so you turn right and end up taking a two mile detour, it takes a bit longer. 

There was a nature center with a butterfly house annex, many walking paths, ponds and a large playground.  It was just Henry and me for the day.  Originally, Henry had a class scheduled for this time so I arranged for summer daycare for Liam.  Since I had already paid this week, I dropped the baby off in the morning.  He was none too happy with the arrangement.  (In August, I plan to do a couple of mommy & me days with Liam.)

As we walked, I told Henry that I saw a totem pole up ahead.  He said, "What's a totem pole?"  For a moment, I thought, What?  You've never heard of a totem pole before?  Where have you been?  Then I remembered, HE'S THREE and oh, yeah, I'm the one whose supposed to be teaching him this stuff!

It was midday and very warm but Henry did a great job walking about.  He hates sunscreen so I insist he wear a hat.  For him it's the lesser of two evils.  Sometimes I can spray him with some SPF before he knows I'm coming for him--but not today.    We probably would have stayed longer if it hadn't been quite so hot.  Luckily, there were several shaded benches and tables.  Next time, we'll bring a picnic and his little brother.

I do think he enjoyed the playground best.  I'm not sure he saw the sandbox but he certainly tried out the rest of the amenities.  Finally, when I could no longer ignore the call of my daily iced coffee, we headed back to the car.  There was no parting drama as Henry agreed that a vanilla shake would do him some good after all that exercise.