Honestly, this weekend was pretty perfect...except for Papa Rob stayed back in Columbus. He had been fighting a cold all week and we both agreed that it would be best for him to stay back and rest/recover. Boo :( Also, this weekend was pretty non stop!
Max and I (mama) hit the road Friday during his afternoon nap...and we went hard from Saturday morning till Sunday afternoon.
When Ti Ti (that's what Max calls Aunti Stacy) arrived on Saturday morning we headed right out to visit one of our favorite Dayton Metro Parks...Cox Arboretum. This spot is so great because it's full of wide open spaces for Max to run and explore.
We climbed over rocks and bridges.
We traveled on gravely paths and strolled among crab apple trees.
We walked up and down this bridge looking for ducks!
We threw leaves in the air, got rides on Grandpa's shoulders (surely the best view!), found acorns, walked in the herb garden, and even got to pet the goose dog, whose name is Zip!
His job is to prowl around the lakes and ponds making sure the geese don't stay too long.
The highlight was climbing the tree tower.
For some reason, I didn't take a picture of this beautiful tower...but it's all wooden with spiraling staircases leading up to the top and cedar shingles along the sides. There are probably about ten stair cases and Max climbed all but three of them before demanding to be carried. At the top of the tower, you are rewarded with amazing views of the park! Beware though -the tower does shake a bit at the top!
(we made it to the top!)
(Max was loving all the freedom to roam! But luckily let me give a quick hug!)
Going to the park almost always leads to an amazing nap! Max slept for almost three hours...which left Grandmim, Auntie Stacy, and me enough time to go to Hobby Lobby AND Once Upon a Child! We got home and he was STILL sleeping! But...we had to wake him up...because more fun was in store! The real reason for our visit had to do with a special event happening on Saturday called "Enchanted Evening".
This event was at Aullwood Audubon Farm. We decided to arrive as close to the start time as possible (so it would still be light out). Basically it's a night where you sign up for a trail time and are guided through the forest and "meet" costumed animal characters. This was an event we went to a time or two as little kids...so I couldn't wait to see Max's reaction too! I was a little worried he might freak out over the animals...so we only signed up for the short tour - which included three animal stops and lasted about an hour.
Before hitting the trail - we got to explore the newly revamped farm and center. It was so AWESOME! They had face painting (or arm painting in Max's case), train table, play tent, a pretend cow you can milk, a table with sheep wool to comb, live music, farm animals, and even an old tractor to climb all over. You can probably guess that Max made himself right at home on farm!
Before long though - it was time to begin our enchanted evening.
Our guides led us down the trail to the pond...where we happened upon a Great Blue Heron (one of my favorite birds...after the mourning dove, of course). Max was a little worried when we first saw the bird. After some encouragement and cajoling from Auntie Stacy - he calmed and did a great job listening. At the end - he even gave the Great Blue Heron a high five!
Worth mentioning - we couldn't bring a stroller on the trail - so we alternated carrying him and letting him walk. He did great though! Our next stop led us to the fields - where we saw a Wolf Spider. Max was digging the spider...and I was holding him at this point. I would whisper in his ear "where's the spider?" and Max would shyly point in his direction. We counted her eight legs and even saw her (pretend) egg case on her back.
Our final stop led us to the woods - where we met a Great Horned Owl and Striped Skunk duo. They were funny and Max was just mesmerized by their banter and kept his eyes glued to their pretend chase! We made our way back to the center ...played around a bit more...contemplated roasting a smore...but decided to head home.
Admittedly, this outing required a little flexibility on my part. Max was out past his bedtime and didn't have the best dinner in the world (as in he ate it in his car seat). But, I have learned that if I can be flexible - it's almost always worth it! This night - it was totally worth it. I loved seeing his face - completely entranced by the animals...and loved that he was able to explore one of the places I grew up going to. And those overalls he's wearing - oh man- I hope those fit for a really long time.
Sunday was another gorgeous day.
In the morning, Max pulled out nearly every toy, played doctor with Auntie Stacy, used his tiny weed wacker (just like Daddy's)....and stuck window clings to every surface of the house (including grandpa's knee).
We decided to try and fit in one more outing...after all...it was nearly 70 degrees!
This time - we went to Hills and Dales Metro Park.
I don't know if I'm just more aware of it this fall - or it's always like this...but the leaves this year seem to be SO COLORFUL! Every time we're out - I think, that's the most beautiful tree EVER! And then, I spy another one! Not to mention the one in my front yard!
We parked and strolled among the leaves.
Max loved climbing on the benches and sitting (for about three seconds).
We looked for fish (and found one huge goldfish) - and collected some very large sugar maple and sycamore leaves. So very often, I take for granted all of the simple things...like crunchy leaves...but being with a toddler - certainly makes you appreciate all of those things and more.
Max loves to "swing" between to people!
Often in the hustle and bustle of day to day - I get caught up in checking instagram, Facebook, etc. This weekend I was reminded how quickly time is passing. My baby is running and climbing...and talking...and becoming quite the little adventurer. I came across the below quote - and it really resonated with the season of life we are in right now and seemed fitting to close on.
You will never have this day with your children again. Tomorrow they will be a little older than they were today. This day is a gift. Just breathe, notice and study their little faces and little feet. Pay attention. Relish the charms of the present. Enjoy today, it will be over before you know it."
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