Felicitas Park Day!

We had a blast with our friends at the park today. There were so many! The kids were excited and ended up playing from 11:45 (ish) to 5:50! It was a gorgeous day for it too. There were hikes, games that required rules, games that included everyone, and all around play. I especially enjoyed watching them on the stage - every one of them - playing something that involved a ball being bounce amongst them.

It was nice to get out after being in all last week. The boys seem to have allergies, and Kade has really been hit. It took me a week to figure out that it was indeed allergies...but they have no other signs other than the clear gook that seems to gather. I should have figured it out when Jeff (who always gets whatever they get) hasn't gotten a lick of congestion. Anyhoo, we rode today with the windows open (the car was still damp inside from yesterday's wash) and in about 3 minutes, Kade started to sneeze. About 2 seconds later, Kai began to sneeze. My eyes started to water and itch about 5 minutes in and then the sneezes began. It was quite entertaining and a great 'ensemble' if you will! Quite, quite amusing. Thank goodness we have the tissue box in the car. Needless to say, we rolled up the windows!! It helped, but not completely. Still, it's too beautiful outside to stay in!

Another thing I loved about today: we had the chance to drive along the coast or on the freeway. Today was even more miraculous because the dvd player was in the trunk (I remembered the car being wet and all...decided not to put it in) so the kids didn't have much to do on the 30 minute drive. Still knowing this, when I asked if they wanted to drive along the coast or on the freeway, they both readily said along the beach! Too cool! We got to see such a great surf and the ocean was a spectacular greenish color. The tide was in, so the water was really close. Then we ended up going the back way to the park which takes us around Lake Hodges. We got to see the dam, the water, a few military helicopters and burned areas from last years' fires. This lead to many talks about who set the fires, who helped evacuate all the people, who helped fight the fires, were there any fire fighters who died, how long will it take the plants to come back, why are some trees still bearing green leaves while their trunks are black, which lead to how eucalyptus trees explode when they get too hot.... You get the idea. I was also helped in my directions because both boys were reading the signs. I especially like these:

Big K: "Mama, the speed limit said 45 and you are driving about 48. You need to slow down. We don't want to get pulled over and get a ticket. They might see you and you'd get arrested."

Little K: "Mama, the light is green, how come you are slowing down?"
Me: "Because the cars in front of us are going slower than we are."
Little K: "But don't they see that it's green?!"

Big K: "Mama, there is road construction here, you really should slow down."
Little K: "But doesn't that next sign say 'End of Construction'"?

We ended up putting the dvd back in, for the car was aired out enough not to be dripping. This was probably good since they were so incredibly tired. They still noticed the huge boat on the sea's horizon and even noticed it had company out there in the misty part. The marine layer had come in, so everything was like a shadow out there on the water. The sun was bright in patches, which the kids like to talk about. Did I mention the kids were tired! Kade came in and just plopped down on the coach. He is still there...

For those who loved Kade's costume today...he asked to change into the identical one when we got home...just so that he could still be part Batman! Can you say day 3 of the same suit?

I have to say one more quick thing. We watched "Hook" last night together. The boys actually watched the whole thing with me, which was awesome. Their comments and laughter were much loved. Kade said, "This is a lot about love with a lot more action, isn't it?" Yup.

OH, if you see me, ask me what Kade said about food!