A Day at the Beach

Even though it was cloudy and gloomy looking today, we went back to Independance Lake for some nature walks, a picnic, and the splash pad.  We had promised Ingrid we'd go last night, and the first thing out of her mouth this morning was "go to the beach!" 

Honestly it was nice out.  We had some super hot, muggy weather the day before, so mid-60s and breezy felt great.  We walked a little trail, dipped our toes in the lake, then ate lunch and let Ingrid splash around the splash pad.  Brendan had to leave for a conference this afternoon, so we had to make it home for him to pack.  It was just enough time to enjoy being together and enjoy some nature.

As you may be able to tell from these pictures, Ingrid's face still hasn't gone down!  We've given her Benedryl twice daily and nothing--it doesn't seem to bother her, but is she going to puff up every time she gets a mosquito bite?  We live in the midwest, there are mosquitos EVERYWHERE.  Poor kid's not going to do well during summer.

Splash Pads are Awesome!

Today we went to a nearby park which is on a small lake.  The park is amazing, it has a bit of everything you'd need.  There are nature trails, a disc golf course, beaches, a playground, tons of picnic areas, and a splash pad for the kids.  We got there early and played on the playground and ate strawberries while waiting for everyone to show up.

I have to admit, I hate swimming in small lakes.  They seem dirty and weedy to me, I'm constantly worried that I'm hitting fish or seaweed with my toes.  I'm a big baby, I know.  Growing up by Lake Michigan, though, it's hard to expect less.

Anyway, so this park has a really cool splash pad, which has fountains, sprinklers, all kinds of ways of water to shoot out and up for kids to run through.  It doesn't have any standing water so you can kind of let your kid run around and not worry so much about them getting in trouble.  Our friends showed up and we spread out blankets and piled all our food in the middle, since the kids kept wanting whatever their mom didn't bring.  We ate and ran in and out of the water and enjoyed the morning.  It's only 15 minutes from our house so I think we'll be back often!