Excursions

In an effort to keep the kids from destroying my perfectly pretty much clean house while it's on the market, I have decided that mornings will be for cleaning and other household chores and afternoons will be for excursions.

Or field trips, as Spencer calls them.  Because Josh can't say excursions.

I have a bunch planned.  Most involve just going to the park and letting them run themselves to exhaustion.  Others are based around doctors appointments and errands. (I know - fun.) 

Yesterday I decided to take the boys to the train depot and pedestrian bridge.  They were pretty sure they were going to get to ride a train, an idea I soon had to dash.  (Mean mom.)  But they had lots of fun going on the bridge and watching for the trains.  (We ended up seeing only one black engine.  Kinda disappointing, but Josh sure was thrilled.)

For those not from this area, Lafayette and West Lafayette are separated by the Wabash River.  There are several bridges connecting the two cities, including a pretty nice pedestrian bridge.  The boys had a grand time running around and looking into the water and throwing leaves over the side.

Josh couldn't hold still for a single picture.

Cole could.  But only because he was strapped into the stroller.

As you can see, the river was pretty swollen and muddy from all of the spring rain we've been having.  This California girl is still always impressed with it's size.  (What Westerners consider rivers, Mid Westerners consider creeks or maybe just drainage ditches!)

The boys enjoyed climbing on every surface, including this sundial.  

We got to the other side and decided to go on a little hike along the river.  I am continually amazed at the quality of parks we have here in the area.  Seriously - lots of good parks all over the place.  (Are you interested in moving here?  I know a great house that's for sale...)  I just love how lush and green everything is here in the summer.  Kinda makes up for the bleak and barren winters.  Kinda.

The Worrier Spencer was sure that I was going to get us all lost and we'd never be found again.  Never mind the fact that he's never been lost with me and that we were on a paved trail along a large river.  He also acted as if it were a death march, and not a quick jaunt down the trail.  Sheesh.  That kid can complain.  Luckily for him (but not for us) the bugs were pretty thick and I had forgotten our bug spray.  Still, I made us go farther than I normally would have just so he didn't think we were turning back because he wanted to.  That's just good parenting.

Josh and Cole had a wonderful time, though.  I see lots of walks in our future for this summer.  Sorry, Spence.

We crossed the bridge again and walked around old downtown Lafayette.  I hadn't really been in that area in quite a while and I was surprised at how many nice little restaurants there were that I haven't been to.  Then I looked at my wild banshee children who were hollering while zooming up and down the street and remembered why I haven't been to these places.  I totally want to go to La Scala and eat on the patio or see what all the fuss is about Bistro 501.  (*hint*hint* Lance) 

Just when Spencer was sure he was going to die (I think he really just wanted to be home playing on the computer), we stopped in to a local candy shop, McCord Candies.  I thought the boys would get a kick of each choosing a chocolate to buy.  But they wanted nothing to do with all of those delicious handmade chocolates or the yummy malted milkshakes; instead, they each chose a giant cookie.

Seriously?  Who are these children?  They certainly cannot be my progeny, turning down chocolate like that!

No matter.  Josh chose a chocolate chip cookie the size of his head.  It was pretty good.

Spencer chose a peanut butter cookie the size of Cole's head.  It was most excellent.  (Good choice, Spence.)

Cole and I chose to eat bits of both.  Cole is a pretty laid back baby, except when it comes to food.  When he wanted more cookie, he really let us know about it!

Both Josh and Cole slept for 90 minutes after we got home, which I think is an excellent sign of a good excursion, despite Spencer's protests to the contrary.  (Contrary child!) Well, if he didn't like that, then he'll certainly love today's plans: an orthodontist appointment for him and then a riveting trip to Target!  Woo-hoo!