The Botanical Gardens

The crisp air of fall is in the early morning and late evening air. I've tried to be more appreciative of the summer warmth because I know that we get to experience cold this year, and that I should soak up the heat while it's here. Several weekends ago, on a hot afternoon, we visited the Botanical Gardens of our new city. I was surprised at how open and spacious it is, and how much freedom we could give the kids. Squirms and the Great ran, climbed, and splashed their way through the children's gardens. 

The rocks with geysers were a favorite of the kids.

The Splash Pond....or the Swimming Hole as our kids used it. Yes, Percy and Thomas went swimming too.

They also enjoyed the giant chimes.

"Here Turtle Turtle. Here Turtle Turtle."

Chase the butterfly!

The Great loved trying to catch a butterfly.

And Squirms was fascinated by the bee hive.

They were both looking!

Our cousin volunteers at the gardens and provided us with free passes. The gardens were a perfect place for the kids to explore and run free, so I'm already wanting to buy year passes. I can see why the gardens are listed as a favorite place for toddlers and preschoolers by the RocketCityMom website (which also has an app that I've put on my phone and am already loving - their list of events around the city is informative, helpful, and can add to your calendar).

Hopefully on future visits R and I can learn some names of plants and trees that we see; because in my imagination I'm going to garden more and cultivate flowers in the future.

And did I mention that the Botanical Gardens has a train display?