The Post Lawrence Cool Down

We spent the entire day in Lawrence, but when we got home, we heard the question we hear every time we pull into the driveway.  "Can I ride my scooter just a wittle bit?"  And very often there is a giant long "Pweeeeeeease" with it that you cannot ignore.

What we were thinking:  "Oh my gosh, you are just the cutest most wonderful little boy on the entire planet, and if I see one tiny little tear fall from your gorgeous hazel eyes, I may just drop dead from heartbreak.  You can have anything you want forever andeverandever."

What we said: "Okay, but just a little bit."

A scooter-coupe stand off.

Our kids were so worn out from all our fun activities that they crashed on the driveway.  "Nigh Nigh," Rose said as she laid down on the concrete.

Here is a video of one of the fun games we play with Rose in her cozy coupe.  She loves it, and it looks hysterical.  Please ignore the hideous annoying cackle in the background.  I couldn't help it.  It's really hilarious in person.

Rocky Ford and the Big Blue River

June 16, 2012

We needed a new place to explore, so we drove to a local fishing area called Rocky Ford.  We had intended on having a picnic somewhere, but when we got there, we discovered it was not that kind of place.  It was more of a...fishing place for some interesting folks, let's say.  Nonetheless, we were determined to have a good time.  So after we ate lunch standing up, and I screamed my way through the whole Rocky Ford bathroom experience, we were ready to explore the area.

Despite the trash and concrete walls, you could see that Rocky Ford used to be a beautiful area.  This site was used by Native Americans and pioneers for river crossing years ago.  A timber and rock mill and damn was replaced by a concrete power one in the early 1900's, and finally in the 1980's a retaining wall and walkway were built for fisherman.  I personally try to see the area how it once was, and to do that, I have to turn my back to most of it.

Back turned.

We turned our attention to the nearby Heritage Trail.  It winds with the Big Blue River, there is abundant wildlife, and it's short enough for a three year old on a scooter.

Rose was sleepy, but she was hanging in there okay.

Daddy and Dale practiced skipping stones in the river.

Rose and BOB sat sleepily nearby, watching the birds fly over the river.

Off the beaten path you're bound to find old buildings begging to be photographed.

Shark Butt and Ruffles

Let's go to the backyard and play.

Monga and Rose have a very serious conversation about water toys.

I can't get enough of these bummers!

Dale is good at everything he tries.  He has mad frisbee skills.

We played hard, and then enjoyed ravioli sent with love from my Great Aunt Sally.

After Dale refueled on Italian food, he was ready to race his scooter around the cul-de-sac.

He loves his scooter so much that it can be difficult to talk him into his bicycle.  But the more Dale gets used to his bike, the more he likes it.  We can officially say that The Dude is a bike rider!

Tongue is out for full concentration.

Shark butt shorts give The Dude power.