Belleview Park Playdate

Jackson had a great time milking the fiberglass cow; I had to tear him away.

Did you pet the goat? Check.

Sheep? Check.

Pigs? Check.

Cows? Check.

The Lions Club train, complete with overall-ed engineer and corny jokes.

The train goes over two bridges and through a tunnel--can't beat that.

Patrick checks out his cup sans lid.

Gemma and Jackson look for minnows and crawfish (yes, they're here, too--but teeeny!)

Kathryn and her girls, Gemma and Nicola met up with us at Belleview Park. This park has a petting zoo, train and wading creek; the playground was closed for renovation. First, we went through the petting zoo--farm is a better word, since they are all barnyard animals. Jackson was so eager to get on the train (which wasn't quite open), that he ran around the yard petting each variety of critter like he was crossing it off a list. It was funny, except I had to hold Patrick, watch Jackson and try to take pictures one-handed; they don't allow strollers inside. Aaaah, the multi-tasking joys of motherhood.

It was all I could do to hold Jackson back long enough to get tickets for the train; he was all for being first in line. We all had fun on the train ride; it goes around the park, over two bridges and through a tunnel (where it sleeps at night). Everybody else waves at the train as it goes by, and it makes the kids feel special.

After the train, we set up our picnic blanket and had lunch. The girls and Jackson were antsy to get in the creek, which the weather was barely warm enough for. We slathered on the sunscreen, and Kathryn watched them in the water while I fed Patrick. They were quickly ready to dry off, so Kathryn pulled out a huge bottle of bubbles, and the kids played with those while the grownups got to eat. I love listening to Kathryn talk with her British accent and phrasing. Even her girls have a touch of accent, too. We all had a great time on our first park visit of the summer.