Arghh.

I finally made time this weekend to haul everyone to this spectacular park my friend Yolanda told me about. Like what usually happens when you plan an outing with four children, one of whom is a very active little 16-month boy, the plan went somewhat awry.

Thanks to this:

(notice background)

Photo 1

Photo 2Photo 3
Argh! Jack was determined to play in the stream. He made 543 beelines for the stream. He was fixated. He would not even contemplate doing anything else. I planned this little outing mostly for HIM--because he loves to ramble and play outdoors, enjoying the freedom of running around on 2 feet instead of crawling.

But no.

We wanted nothing to do with the huge field of grass. Didn't want to run around with Max and Sis, who were having an epic nerf battle. He wanted to throw rocks into the stream, precariously close to the edge, having absolutely no balance. Not only that, but he threw a fit every time we dragged him away from the stream. A FIT. EACH & EVERY TIME. Basically, he had a miserable outing and I had been positive he would have a great time.

(insert the Mother-of-Four Eye Roll.)

Here he is, making a break for it.


I managed to snap a few quick photos.

Isabelle, 8. Max, 10. Jack, 1. Mimi, 6.

Here's Mimi, with my SAME 6-yr old smile.

I love this one.

I love this one, too.

Aqua Boy and me.

Isabelle wanted so badly to have her picture taken with just her & Jack. Can you tell he was THIS CLOSE to losing it? Must...get...to...water...Throw....rocks....Jump....in...

I don't know the name of the park, but it was deep into the canyon and just surreal. I'm dying to return with just myself, my recliner camp chair, snackies, a book & a small cooler of chilled Diet Coke.

Also, there's a road that begs to have me run on it. On a day separate from the camp chair and the snacks.