Thursday, August 22, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Pen Park Fitness/Nature Trail
Did y'all know that Pen Park also had a fitness and nature trail? I heard about it a few months ago, but the few times we have been to the park I didn't see it. Finally, I went online and found where to go. The turn is right before the tennis courts and it'll take you down to the picnic shelters and a separate baseball field (not the ones by the park).
We hit the trail around 8:00 the morning. We ran across 1 man running the fitness trail and 1 woman walking her dog, other than that, silence (perfection). We did the fitness trail. I wish there were signs at each inidvidual station (as opposed to just the start). Calais wanted to try several of the stations and I had to make up what they were supposed to be used for.
Maybe next time we will come back and do the correct stations!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Pen Park, an Old Favorite
Both kiddos woke up early last Tuesday morning (6:15). So I decided we would grab an early breakfast and visit a park we haven't been to in a while.
While living at Foxbrook we would frequent this one. The nice thing about it is it's pretty open. You will see any kids running away, etc. It also has a spongy surface which was perfect when Olin was crawling. Another bonus now that he is walking!
The morning was pretty hazy and started raining after being there for 20 minutes. (we were also the only ones there!)
Regardless of the rain and the emptiness the kiddos had fun. Calais was able to push herself on one of the lower swings and Olin just loves watching Calais and trying to climb up the stairs and the steps.
It's nice having Greenleaf Park so close to us, but sometimes it's nice to just re-visit one of our old favorites.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Flying High at Darden Towe
Last Tuesday night was rough. I didn't have to get Olin (he woke up 3 times but was able to put himself back to sleep). He woke up around 5:30 and just kind of moaned until 6:30 when I let Calais get him. Calais on the other hand, man oh man. She didn't want to fall asleep last night, and got up around 5:15. I went in and told her it was still dark out and she went back to sleep for about 30 min, or at least she was quiet! I let her play in her room until it was time to get Olin. Needless to say my head was pounding this morning. It was also raining off and on, so we didn't get out until after Olin's nap.
Around 10:30 we headed out to Darden Towe park. I think I went here many, many, many years ago to catch a soccer game of Jake's. Our goal was to find the water, the playground and one trail. We drove into the main gate and took a left and drove down to the softball fields (where there was a Masters Softball game going on). We parked at the playground and unloaded. Decent playground, not huge, no swings, but some great slides. Unfortunately we were the only ones there. Calais and Olin both had tons of fun. Calais loves jumping off things, so she set out to find the slide, the stairs on the rocks to jump off. Olin was happy just following big sister and laughing at her.
We played for about 20 minutes then took off to find the water and the trails. I noticed on the map before that there were paved trails around the perimeter of the park. We walked around (2x) a small green lake with a fountain and saw many butterflies and even more geese poop! We then made our way down to the boat launch. No boats, however we came across many items of clothing. I was a little sketched out, I saw shoes with socks, hats, shirts, pants, but no people. Pretty area of the river though, so maybe that's why people hang out there naked??
We finally hoofed our way back to the playground and I let the kiddos play for another 20 minutes. Then we headed back home. (Just as two other kids arrived!)
We will definitely be back, it's a nice change of pace from the normal parks we hit up.
Around 10:30 we headed out to Darden Towe park. I think I went here many, many, many years ago to catch a soccer game of Jake's. Our goal was to find the water, the playground and one trail. We drove into the main gate and took a left and drove down to the softball fields (where there was a Masters Softball game going on). We parked at the playground and unloaded. Decent playground, not huge, no swings, but some great slides. Unfortunately we were the only ones there. Calais and Olin both had tons of fun. Calais loves jumping off things, so she set out to find the slide, the stairs on the rocks to jump off. Olin was happy just following big sister and laughing at her.
We played for about 20 minutes then took off to find the water and the trails. I noticed on the map before that there were paved trails around the perimeter of the park. We walked around (2x) a small green lake with a fountain and saw many butterflies and even more geese poop! We then made our way down to the boat launch. No boats, however we came across many items of clothing. I was a little sketched out, I saw shoes with socks, hats, shirts, pants, but no people. Pretty area of the river though, so maybe that's why people hang out there naked??
Next, we continued along the paved path. It was hot out! It had rained most of the morning which made it super steamy when the sun came out. Regardless of the heat it was really pretty and quiet outside. As we walked I noticed a private residence sign. Seems strange to have a home in the middle of a park. May need to learn more about that! We also saw a hull of a ship, which I also thought was strange. I did notice on our way out that there is a Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center, so maybe it had something to do with that.
We will definitely be back, it's a nice change of pace from the normal parks we hit up.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Chiles Peach Orchard
I'm a sucker for all farms and all fruit picking. We have already visited Chiles twice for strawberry picking and this was our third peach picking adventure. I took the week off of teaching swim lessons. So we didn't have to worry about being back in town until nap.
We left the house around 9:30 (Olin's morning nap time) hoping that Olin would take his nap in the car. I knew this was a long shot, but wanted to give him the option. The orchard is about 25-30 minutes away. I chose to go through Crozet this time. What a beautiful place. I could see us living there at some point. Great small town feel.
We arrived around 10:00 and I let Calais play my IPAD while I gave Olin a few more minutes to attempt a nap. No go. So we loaded up the double stroller and went to sign up for the Come Grow with Us activity.
We have been here on a Tuesday before but never participated in the event. It was great. Tons of kids, great activities. They led with the art activity, coloring a peach with q-tips and paint, then a book, then peach picking and topped it off with peach ice cream when we were done.
We had met T & A there and they also enjoyed it. It's so great having Calais interact with her cousins and I'm happy they are somewhat near us (2 hours). They loved the peach picking and filled their yellow bags right up!
Olin stayed in the stroller the whole time never napping but was such a trooper! He loves walking now and I was worried he'd want to move around, but I think he was in that in between state and pretty happy to people watch.
I'm hoping we can go at least two more times and then of course a handful for apple picking on Carters.
On our way out, we were hoping to stop at Crozet Pizza (I've heard great things, but have never had it!) but they don't open til 4. So we hit up Slice at Barracks Road.
We left the house around 9:30 (Olin's morning nap time) hoping that Olin would take his nap in the car. I knew this was a long shot, but wanted to give him the option. The orchard is about 25-30 minutes away. I chose to go through Crozet this time. What a beautiful place. I could see us living there at some point. Great small town feel.
We arrived around 10:00 and I let Calais play my IPAD while I gave Olin a few more minutes to attempt a nap. No go. So we loaded up the double stroller and went to sign up for the Come Grow with Us activity.
We had met T & A there and they also enjoyed it. It's so great having Calais interact with her cousins and I'm happy they are somewhat near us (2 hours). They loved the peach picking and filled their yellow bags right up!
While the kiddos were eating their ice cream (Olin got a peach shake!) I purchased some more peaches and hope to make some peach cobbler today or tomorrow.
I'm hoping we can go at least two more times and then of course a handful for apple picking on Carters.
On our way out, we were hoping to stop at Crozet Pizza (I've heard great things, but have never had it!) but they don't open til 4. So we hit up Slice at Barracks Road.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
McIntire Wading Pool
Monday's weather was pool weather. So we decided to head to McIntire Wading Pool. This was only the second time we've been to this spot. Despite the horrible traffic and noise (the pool is situated right by 250) once you are in the pool you don't really pay attention to it.
I had hoped to get there right around 11, however Olin woke up from a short nap and wasn't happy to play by himself while I got us ready. So we rolled out the door around 11:20. The lifeguards clear the pool the last 15 minutes of every hour, so I wanted us to get in a for a short while before break.
The weather was perfect today, maybe low 80s. We swam for about 15 minutes then break. There is a shaded area near the back where we pulled out our blanket and had our lunch! Olin and Calais both ate well! Calais kept asking when the lifeguard was going to blow his whistle again, she wanted back in. After lunch we swam for the next 45 minutes, then headed home.
There is a small park right by the pool as well, but both times we have come we leave right before nap. One day we will stay at play there as well! Calais has her eye on the swings.
I had parked the car right by the relocated skate park and Calais LOVED watching the skaters while I buckled Olin and and loaded up the car.
I had hoped to get there right around 11, however Olin woke up from a short nap and wasn't happy to play by himself while I got us ready. So we rolled out the door around 11:20. The lifeguards clear the pool the last 15 minutes of every hour, so I wanted us to get in a for a short while before break.
The weather was perfect today, maybe low 80s. We swam for about 15 minutes then break. There is a shaded area near the back where we pulled out our blanket and had our lunch! Olin and Calais both ate well! Calais kept asking when the lifeguard was going to blow his whistle again, she wanted back in. After lunch we swam for the next 45 minutes, then headed home.
There is a small park right by the pool as well, but both times we have come we leave right before nap. One day we will stay at play there as well! Calais has her eye on the swings.
I had parked the car right by the relocated skate park and Calais LOVED watching the skaters while I buckled Olin and and loaded up the car.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Way too long!
And I'm back.
So many changes. The kids and I are now back in Charlottesville. Living in a great location (close to a park). I'd like to refocus this blog on all the outdoor activities that we try to do in town. I'll also sprinkle in some of the crafts and other activities that we do. Hopefully this will be a great outlet for me!
So many changes. The kids and I are now back in Charlottesville. Living in a great location (close to a park). I'd like to refocus this blog on all the outdoor activities that we try to do in town. I'll also sprinkle in some of the crafts and other activities that we do. Hopefully this will be a great outlet for me!
