Birmingham Railroad Park

We took a field trip with our homeschool crew to the Railroad Park this week.  It has just recently opened and is a neat little oasis in the middle of downtown Birmingham.  The kids loved going to a new park.  I'm interested to see how it develops as things settle in and grow.

The playground was nice for the little ones.  There are gates that keep the toddlers from slipping away.  Always bonus when chasing little folks.



There are a few different things for the kids to play on (like the spider web) that were fun.










The boys (ok, mostly Walker) loved being able to see the trains come by on a regular basis.  We even saw a passenger train which was super exciting!

(so exciting that *someone* might not be willing to admit that they really have to go to the far away restroom (we made it, barely))

Did you know there was surfing in Birmingham?


Well, there is.  Safety, smafety.


We were all sad to leave.

(but also really put out that mommy asked for one more picture)

We will definitely stop and play again the next time we are "in the city."

Shoes

Colin hates shoes.  Like a lot.  But, he loves to run and play outside.  There in lies the mommy challenge.

I have stopped putting shoes on him before we leave home and just tuck them next to his car seat.  But a few minutes in the stroller and we are back at square one.



Victory (and really bright sun).


Walker didn't figure out how to take off socks until he was 3 and demanded to sleep in them every night.

Eli has never cared either way.  Although, recently he will get out of bed and tell us his toes are cold as a going to bed stalling technique.

Colin only needs about 45 seconds to get both socks and shoes off.  This kid has an opinion and a plan to make things happen.  I predict some cold winter toes or maybe some lace up boots.

Related: Anyone visiting EPCOT who happens to find a size 4/5 brown croc, let me know!

Ending the Hot Summer Days

Last week we went to the park for what we are hoping was our last park visit in  90+ temperatures for the season.  There have been promises of 70s and low 80s this week so we are hoping that holds.

Also, I may or may not have matched Colin's outfit to the park we were visiting, just incase we got to take some pictures. 

Walker's goal was to avoid the camera at all cost.  And that little guy is fast.

And Colin watched him run.

Everyone Playing in the Shade.

I wish I had picked out Eli's clothes, since he clearly had his model face on this day.  Picture Perfect.






Adventurous Boy.


Here is to cooler fall temperatures welcoming us into fall and into the park without melting from the heat!

Disney Wrap Up

A random selection of events and pictures to finish up the Disney trip...

Sunset from our date night at California Grill

The food and and atmosphere were wonderful, but mostly I loved the company.


There was babywearing in Disney. But with a heat index over 100 degrees most days, there was less babywearing that originally planned. The baby himself was of course hot, but mostly it is the addition of the 100% polyester blankie laid completely across my chest that about sent me into a heat stroke.In line for Pirates (so therefore, in the AC).
Watching Mickey's PhilharMagic. There was much 3D movie watching. I was so fun to watch the kids reaching for things or ducking when a 3D object would fly by.
Baby so proud of himself for sitting on a ride all by himself. Independent spirit, that one.

Walker riding "The Land" at EPCOT. I'm pretty sure this one ride justifies the entire vacation as a school field trip. He rode it twice. The second time through he pretty much quoted the information word for word.

Baby rode also. He was not as impressed.

Toy Story Mania is the longest line we waited in (and Jason and Walker waited twice). While a fun ride, I'm ready for the newness to wear off so it won't be such a ridiculous line to wait in. There were a couple of moments in that line that really helped Jason and I earn our stripes as parents.

We made it home and while we were all ready for some rest, I think we are ready to go again.

So thankful for the opportunity to make these memories with our family.

Splish Splash

We started the day very early by stuffing ourselves at Chef Mickey's Buffet. As soon as we could waddle back to our rooms, get our swim suits on, and slather on the sunscreen we hit the water park.

The kids had an absolute blast.

Colin loved being free of the stroller (when not napping) to walk, splash and ride inter-tube rides he was entirely too small for.

Eli loved the wave pool and digging in the sand.

Walker loved every water slide and adventure he could go on. Turns out, the kid is fearless. He went up the steps and down the water slides so much, I was worried he was going to just fall asleep on one of his 300 rides down.

At the end of the day we moved to a more calm pool to let the big kids {read: parents} ride the "water roller coasters." We finally pulled out the camera. This is after 7 hours of busy, busy water play. I think it is pretty evident that everyone had a great time.

If you are not visiting a water park at Disney you are missing out. It is the perfect break from the heat and day full of activity and play for everyone. We always go to Typhoon Lagoon, but I have read good things about Blizzard Beach as well.

The older 2 had similar feelings about the water park in 2008.

Breakfast with Mickey 2010

Breakfast with Mickey is not to be missed. One of our favorites. Even if the reservations are very early and you will be spending the rest of the day in your swimsuit at a water park, it is still worth it. The food is great and you see all the important folks in one place.

The only picture of Baby with Mickey.

Goofy

Donald - Still Eli's favorite

Pluto - The best of the clubhouse gang this time around.

Minnie

Colin was trying out his new how-to-get-out-of-the-highchair theory when Minnie approached. I think she almost broke the "characters never talk" rule she was so concerned. She was waving her arms and pointing at our adventurous, no fear little one standing proudly in the highchair.

The theory, which has proved valid several times: This works no matter how tightly you are clipped in 1. Pull one leg up. 2. Roll to tummy. 3. Slide to a standing position facing backwards, thus freeing yourself of all restraints. Awesome.

So, now I need highchairs with 5-point harness systems. Great.

Breakfast with Mickey 2009

Breakfast with Mickey 2008

Cousins

Love, love, love how at ease and comfortable these kids are together. They love each other and love to be together. Love that they get to grow up together.

And they love Baby just as much. The first cry or whine and Hannah is running over to kiss "Baby Talin."