We have a park...

The previous owners of our new house left us with a play structure in the backyard that Jackson calls his park. This week we went to the park down the block. At the end of our cul-de-sac is a trail that leads to a great park. Jackson was so excited even though we didn't stay long because of the low temperature.

Another weekend behind us...

We had another busy weekend, but a nice one since Ron was home on Saturday, and I was off on Monday. It was so very nice to be able to spend a good chunk of time together as a family. On Friday night we had Russ, Heather and Grayson over for a little play date. Once we got the boys to sleep, the adults had some time for conversation. Saturday started with a trip to the Minneapolis Farmer's Market for some tasty food purchases, and a trip to a local park for some free-play time.

Saturday afternoon Ron and I helped my Dad put a railing up around his deck, while Jackson slept soundly. After that, it was off to Como Zoo to see the animals. Jackson roared with the lions, and was amazed to see the three giraffes (his favorite animal, as of late).

Sunday, the three of us took a bike ride to meet up with my Dad's family for breakfast. Jackson seemed to have a good time riding in the go-bug, and managed to fall asleep on the way home. Sunday afternoon we spent some time with family at my Mom's, barbecuing up some pork chops, hamburgers, and dogs. We were in the garage chowing down when the tornado sirens started up. It's a whole new ball game when there is precious new cargo in the family. Just 15 miles north of where we were, a two year old boy was killed in the tornado, an awful sad news item to learn about that evening.

Monday morning brought us to another local park, where Jackson had a blast going down the slide all on his own. And after nap we piled in the car, picked up my mom, and headed north to Fawn Doe Rosa. Jackson "baaaa-ed" with the goats and got a kick out the elk.

What a great way to spend the weekend. I just love getting Jackson out in the world to see how he reacts to all the new things.

Watch your step...

Our city's parks are loaded with goose poop! We went to Ron's stomping grounds this weekend to find a park where we could walk and swing. We walked around the little "lake" but couldn't look up because we had to keep our feet from stepping in little goose turds that covered the path. How can this be prevented? Is there something that can be sprayed on the sidewalk to keep the geese pooping on the green? I suppose spraying a chemical of some sort into our parks isn't the answer either, but what is?

Anyway... minus the goose droppings, we still had a good time. Here are some photos of our adventure:

Jackson swinging.

Daddy took Jackson down the slide.

Popeye the Sailorman.

Mommy and Jackson on a walk.