Sunflower Staycation Outing

We had a small staycation at the beginning of August. We did a lot of our regular weekend things like trips to the pool, gardening, projects, cooking, and being lazy. I wanted to try and get out and go on one little adventure with the girls to somewhere we normally don't go. A couple of my friends posted pictures at Cottell Park, so we thought we'd check it out. 

I woke the girls up and tried to get there early (about 9:30) to beat the crowds, but there were still quite a few people there. We took couple pictures, explored the fields, and avoided people at all costs. All of the sunflowers were beautiful and kind of makes me want to plant our own little sunflower 'field' in a chunk of our yard. 

Walks With Ida : Graffiti Tunnel

A couple weeks ago, Ida and I went back to our old neighborhood for a doctor visit. Whenever we make our way over to that part of town, I like to try and enjoy one of our favorite restaurants or visit a favorite park. I figured Ida would enjoy visiting our favorite graffiti tunnel.  Right when we walked  up, she excitedly yelled "Art!" and couldn't wait to get down there and check it out. We had a great little date with my girl Ida looking at the art and picking out our favorite spots.

Here are some posts from a previous trip to the graffiti tunnel with Cora and inspiration pictures.

Charleston Falls Preserve

Ben is a courier and he'll occasionally get a job that works out timing-wise where we can all tag along. This weekend he got a job up to Dayton and I quickly Googled what there is to do and see there. Generally I'm looking for something that is easy and isn't going to cost a lot of money. I landed on Charleston Falls Preserve. It looks beautiful, it's free, and it wasn't going to take too much time. I packed the backpack carrier and snacks and we were on our way within 30 minutes.

The girls were excited to get out of the car by the time we arrived. The walk to the falls was short and easy and there was no complaining from anyone in our family (which never happens). Ida oohed and aahed over a couple different things along the walk (mostly dogs) and Cora kept saying how much she liked nature.

It was misty and cold, so we didn't stay long. This was a perfect little pit stop adventure for us, but I'm also looking forward to coming back for a longer trip when it's a little bit warmer.

Walks With Ida : Fall Leaves

For the last couple months, I've been trying to get out on early morning weekend walks with Clove and any child that is awake that early... which is usually neither of the children, but sometimes Ida likes to surprise me. There is a bike trail less than a block from our house, so that is where I've been heading for our morning walks. The fall leaves were amazing for a couple weeks in a row and it was fun to hear Ida oooh and aaah over the beautiful morning views. That morning golden hour is my favorite quiet way to enjoy nature.. and it's even better with little babes tagging along.

Walks With Ida : Eden Park Lunch Date

Yesterday, Ben and Ida picked me up for a lunch date in Eden park. I used to work about 2 blocks from Eden park, so we would have lunch dates here at least once a week when Cora was little. One of our favorite spots was the Presidential Grove area. It is way less crowded than the lookouts and there is plenty of space for kids to play without having to worry about ponds or drop offs. Ida enjoyed running around and throwing acorns. I enjoyed watching her little scrunched up shoulders as she ran around and giggling when she'd throw an acorn and it would somehow go backwards. We missed Cora (she was at school), but liked getting to spend time with just Ida. I love our sweet random lunch dates and making new memories in places we love.