Dallas Arboretum Day

This four day weekend is sure to be super fun!  We have decided to have our first stay-cation and really make it a fun few days.  On Friday morning, we met up with Nana and Pops for our first visit of the year to the Arboretum.  The boys loved going there, and we try to make it a few times each year.  This Friday morning was cloudy and a little breezy and not hot . . . best start to the day ever!  The boys were happy to pose for a cool picture with their shades as we paused at the entrance.  Crazy guys!

We got maps as soon as we walked in, and they took their map reading very seriously!  They had to study their maps and deliberate about which way to go.  Luckily, they agreed to go to the right after stopping at the Memorial fountain with Grand Ole Flags.  Off we go . . . 

Lincoln directed us to the former Texas exhibit where there were frontier houses and a covered wagon, but now it is a bird themed exhibit.  They loved the different bird houses and bird feeders on display, they played in the huge birds nest, and we all climbed up to the top of the owl house.  Cool stuff! 

We walked through the flower gardens a bit and noticed the giant peacock on the grounds.  It was really cool! 

Map reading time again . . . Beau needed to analyze where we were and how to get to the next spot.  Seriously with the maps!  

We made it to the pools with the lake (ocean to Lincoln and Beau) in the background and stopped for a picture.  We didn't always just pose for pictures - sometimes we actually stopped to appreciate the beautiful surroundings! 

Lincoln found a hidden path, and we all followed along.  They both were always on the lookout for secret paths, magic roads, shortcuts, and hidden walkways.  It was such a fun adventure! 

After climbing the steps, Mommy asked for a picture.  Beau made sure to show his ever-present map! 

Lincoln and Nana ran ahead a little to explore, and Beau began giving the silliest pose when asked to say "cheese"!  There is no explanation for why he leaned over and spread his arms out, but it's hilarious.  He's such a funny guy sometimes! 

Each time we heard the sound of water rushing, we followed the sound to find the source.  Sometimes it was a gurgling waterfall, sometimes it was a drip in a pond, and sometimes it was a fountain, and every time it was great to check it out. 

The next photo opp . . . another silly Beau pose.  Lincoln pointed out that he was being very nice in the picture and didn't know why Beau was being crazy.  Love them so much! 

We made it around to the frog fountains, and they boys didn't believe that they wouldn't get wet while running under the four frogs . . . but they took off and didn't get a drop of water on them!  They ran and ran and laughed and laughed! 

Mommy even got in on the action and ran a few laps under the frogs! 

We had seen everything we could in the main portion of the Arboretum and headed to the new Children's Adventure Garden.  It was lunchtime, so we took a break for sandwiches and salads on the patio.  The boys scored new clip-on compasses after lunch!  This took their map and directional skills to the next level!!!  Beau modeled his compass, and Linc informed us that a compass doesn't tell you where you need to go but where you are.  Very cute and very astute! 

The Children's Garden was so much fun, and we enjoyed exploring each exhibit.  Lincoln climbed in the giant birds nest and relaxed with the eggs for a bit!  Weird! 

The misters were so cool, and they ran through them over and over.  It really wasn't a hot day, but running through the steam (as Beau called it) was too fun. 

We checked out the giant tree house and it was really neat.   

The coolest part of the Children's Garden had lots of interactive things, kind of like the Perot Museum of Science.  The boys worked together in the water area.  Beau pumped the handle to keep the water flow, Lincoln kept the wheels turning, and the other kids monitored the water flow through the dam.  There were several more learning exhibits that they really enjoyed too! 

Water doesn't stop at learning - sometimes it's fun!  Lincoln was aiming his water shooter at a target to try to make it turn, but Beau was aiming his water shooter at Lincoln's water spray to make a splash!!! 

We stopped at the weather station next, and it was fun.  The boys created their own thunderstorm complete with hail raining down.  We also made thunder and a water tornado and checked out a solar system display.   

The giant kaleidoscope was amazing to Lincoln.  He loved the changing colors and shapes so much.  Beau checked it out too, but Linc kind of took over that one!

The last pictures really sum up our 4 hours at the Arboretum.  Lincoln ran everywhere!  We could hardly keep up, and he loved everything! 

Beau ran everywhere!  His little foot is still healing from the ottoman jump last weekend, but he was determined to keep up.  He finally ran out of steam on the way back to the car, but he was right behind Lincoln the whole day! 

One final run through the misters . . . it really was super fun to run through the misters! 

So we began our little stay-cation with a lot of fun!  The Arboretum is always beautiful, but the boys really enjoyed it more this time than ever.  They loved navigating real and secret paths, they loved the activities in the new children's area, and they loved being outside for the whole day!  It is always amazing to view the world through a child's eyes, and their amazement and joy was contagious!  We have more activities and fun planned so we better get rested up!