On May 22, 2010, we took the kids to a "NatureFest" event at a local nature preserve. There were lots of activities and demonstrations to keep us occupied in the great outdoors. We started out at a red cross station where the kids learned about the effects of flooding.
Afterwards, we wandered over to a police dog demonstration and watched the dog hunt for hidden drugs in a truck. I thought it was pretty interesting but the Mini's had used up all of their energy waiting for the demonstration to start so we didn't last long here!
Michael was able to meet up with us after his soccer games wrapped up and the kids spent a bunch of time hopping and climbing around in a bounce house. Once we noticed signs of overheating, we bribed them away with promises of lunch and scampered off to find picnic tables and some grub. Not far from the picnic tables were a few scenic cutouts for photo ops. The kids thought it was pretty amusing to become animals and flowers for a bit.
There was a lovely shaded area set aside for pet adoptions. After carefully explaining that we were only going to be saying a quick hello we let the kiddos go greet the animals. Bailey was especially enchanted with the furry friends, she wanted to shower them all with her special version of affection and cooed over each critter. I must admit that there were some super cute fidos there and for a brief moment I was overcome by the desire to bring home a puppy just for us. Fortunately, I was able to think about walking and cleaning up after a pooch - most specifically making sure to let one out and that was enough to squelch the urge - for now.
Not far from the ice cream was an animal rescue organization with a little critter out to say hello. We went over to take a peek, and the kids were enchanted by their new friend.
Afterwards, we wandered over to a police dog demonstration and watched the dog hunt for hidden drugs in a truck. I thought it was pretty interesting but the Mini's had used up all of their energy waiting for the demonstration to start so we didn't last long here!
Michael was able to meet up with us after his soccer games wrapped up and the kids spent a bunch of time hopping and climbing around in a bounce house. Once we noticed signs of overheating, we bribed them away with promises of lunch and scampered off to find picnic tables and some grub. Not far from the picnic tables were a few scenic cutouts for photo ops. The kids thought it was pretty amusing to become animals and flowers for a bit. There was a lovely shaded area set aside for pet adoptions. After carefully explaining that we were only going to be saying a quick hello we let the kiddos go greet the animals. Bailey was especially enchanted with the furry friends, she wanted to shower them all with her special version of affection and cooed over each critter. I must admit that there were some super cute fidos there and for a brief moment I was overcome by the desire to bring home a puppy just for us. Fortunately, I was able to think about walking and cleaning up after a pooch - most specifically making sure to let one out and that was enough to squelch the urge - for now. It was clear we would need a diversion to entice the little ones away from the animals, or at least to get Bailey to move on. I think she lingered with me for a while and Michael took H off to roam a bit. Either way, we didn't have to do to much cajoling to get the kids moving once they heard that our next stop was the ice cream tent. It would be an understatement to say that these kiddos were pretty thorough in finishing off their frozen treats.
Not far from the ice cream was an animal rescue organization with a little critter out to say hello. We went over to take a peek, and the kids were enchanted by their new friend. The above picture is so telling when it comes to the dynamic between Hayden and Bailey when we are checking out something new. He rapidly gathers facts and then delivers a "Little Professor" lecture while she is just pleased as punch to grin at the sight in front of her. Sometimes it is hard for H to understand that she just wants to watch and may not pay full attention to her big bro's impromptu presentations.
At this point, grownups and kiddos were beginning to wear out so we began to make our way towards the exit. On the way to the car, we happened by the local firehouse folk who were out to show the children the truck and it's many gadgets. We took a few minutes to check out the big red truck and say thank you to the firefighters for keeping us safe.
It was a great afternoon, we'll have to keep our eye out for this event in 2011!
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