This has been another spot on our list of things to do. And we do loving going downtown. Although, clearly I need to figure out better ways to get more places from the new house. It took us over and hour to get there (traffic and clearly not the most efficient route)?!??!
But we started out way early, so we were actually on time.
Turns out that there was an Endangered Species Day program going on right in front of the entrance to the Botanical Gardens. So, no kaleidoscope needed here, we just jumped right in.
There were masks of endangered animals to color.
There were herbs of different colors and smells you could use to decorate the masks.
There were lots of endangered species stickers to collect.
There was a Bumble Bee mascot (yep he is endangered too).
There were skins to feel and shells to touch of endangered animals.
There was the fish/turtle net things we got to watch a few times in action. Jonah liked throwing the fish into the net...
And this was all before we even got to the Children's Garden!
Then we entered the Botanical Gardens and meandered our way through until we found the Children's Garden. And our buddies were waiting for us.
This place is "super cool" - literally! There are three big "tubs" of cold water that you can splash around and play with. Jonah was over the top excited and was soaked in like 5 seconds. Vera also thought it was very fun. There were watering cans, brooms, a small play house. a pumping water station... it was excellent spot for a hot sunny Friday!
When we parked at a meter outside, we needed to get change. We had to buy bags of fruit snacks from an outside vendor to get the change. Jonah as always insisted we get one for him, one for Vera, and one for that little mischief maker Cami! Jonah never forgets anyone!
After being thoroughly soaked (Jonah's lips were turning blue... even though it was hot out!), we broke out the snacks. My crew must always have snacks!
It was some good morning fun. Thanks Not-So-SAHM and Cami!
Extra bonus. On the way back to our car, I realized we weren't so far from Mama's new office so we gave her call. She was free so we met her for lunch and ended up bumping into one of our Aunties in the street as well. A very Washington DC power lunch kind of moment even if we had small messy kids with us sitting outside at Le Pain Quotidien... (which was a perfect spot to bring the kids. We ordered to go and sat outside. They each had a children's meal and ate it all up. Not cheap, but perfect for the day!)
And yes, when we got home Jonah had a terrific temper tantrum to round out the afternoon!
By the way, my camera is kind on its last legs these days, so these pics are not the greatest - and it ran out of batteries... this is what we got.
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| on the way in! |
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| Jonah needed to take a quick rest? |
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| Vera and the Bumble Bee-Jonah thought he was scary... |
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| Vera coloring her mask |
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| Jonah smelling the herbs |
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| Jonah investigates the Venus Fly Trap |
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| Hello Mr. Turtle |
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| The Children's Garden! Hello Cami! |
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| Snacks! |
I cannot believe how big Jonah is now. It's more startling to see other people's kids grow up I think! they are gorgeous. good work. ;)
ReplyDeletewon her over with fruit snacks. love it.
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