The Modern Day SAHM: A Day Downtown

The plan was to spend the day at the zoo with Smaller Child. Curious George was suppose to be there, so was his favorite band (if a twenty month old can have a favorite band), book readings, and lots of activities. The plan didn't go as planned... there was no parking, lines to the street, and I was blue. BUT, inspiration hit, I turned the wheel, and headed downtown instead... and I am so glad I did.

Smaller Child and I spent a day outside, with nature, exploring the Myriad Gardens and the Crystal Bridge. I often forget about these little gems when planning an outing with the kids. But, they are marvelous ways to spend the day.

At the Children's Garden:

He found a flower he just HAD to have... I think he just wanted to feel it. Before I could tell him not to, he had pulled the near perfect tulip... (I had learned in Girl Scouts that you are not allowed to pick a flower unless you can see at least 100 more of the same flower for others to enjoy.) Eh, how am I going to stifle the curiosity of a toddler after a tulip?

Then perhaps, his conscience got the best of him, and he tried and tried to get the tulip back to his home...

At this point he realized it was broken. "Huh-oh!" He said...

Mama! I tried to save the day, told him it was okay... placed the tulip back in the bed, and quickly moved on before he could noticed it hadn't been fixed. (Got to say, it was a very sweet moment.)

I would also really like to take this opportunity to tell whomever it is responsible just how much I enjoyed seeing all the awesome yarn bombs spread throughout the children's garden! It was so entertaining and delightful! AND a big props to the city for not taking them down. They know the difference between art and graffiti when they see it! Carry on, yarn bomber! Carry on!

Then we headed to the water feature of the gardens, and more importantly the home of the beautiful (and bountiful) koi and goldfish living in it. We meet another nice mother and young son who offered us a piece of bread to try and feed the fishies. (They weren't too keen on SC's animal crackers.) The bread seemed to be the ticket though. Some of the koi were bigger than SC, but he was fascinated, and I often had to pull him back from reaching in the water to touch them.

This particular koi was probably at least two feet long. I bet he weighed a good 5-10 lbs.

Once we made our lap around the water, we decided to visit the Crystal Bridge. It is an indoor greenhouse/conservatory built in the 80's that house over 1,000 tropical plant species (and a few flying/crawling ones too).

It is a multi level facility, so I thought my best bet in seeing it all was to ditch the stroller and follow SC through the paradise. I let him lead, and I was along for the ride.

We were greeted by butterflies. LOTS and LOTS of butterflies. They were beautiful and fascinating to us both. We spent several minutes watching them, following them, and talking about/to them.

He had no trouble exploring, as long as he knew I was a few steps a way. I spent most of my time smiling, watching the back of his head as he stretched his independence and experienced this new world around him.

The only thing that held him back were those pesky stairs... He tried climbing them, but they always seemed to make his hands "yucky."

That's when he decided to give up a hair of his independence to allow Mama to help. Good call, SC.

But, if we were on a flat path, watch out world... ain't nuthin stopping this toddler from toddlin' wherever his heart's desire. (As long as Mama isn't too far away.)

The plants were breathtaking... We saw so many colors. We also met a very sociable snake, a terrific turtle, and two polite parrots. (Who needs that pesky overcrowded zoo anyway!?!)