Gardens, Reading & Bow

Friday was a beautiful day here in the STL. Not too hot, not too cool. Nate, Lila and I went to the Botanical Gardens for the first time this year. It, of course, did not disappoint. I did not take my good camera because although I don't like to admit it much, managing 2 kids, a stroller, and an already full backpack is all I can do. And since my new phone takes pretty good pictures, I thought we'd be okay. There were only a couple of times that I wished I had brought the other camera.

This is Nate the last time we were at the Botanical Gardens (September 2010) on his favorite rock.

This is him this year. Now I know the picture quality isn't that great, but I think he has changed so much in just that short amount of time.We found this chair in an area that we'd never been before. That's one thing I love about the gardens - we find new places every time we go. He was king for the day. Heck, who am I kidding? He's king every day.
This was another place we found that we had not been before. A table and chairs made from a tree stump and limbs. Since we had the stroller, we couldn't go on all the rock paths like we usually do, but Nate took it in stride. He did some by himself and others he skipped to be with us on the pavement.

I'd like to say that the kids took good naps after all the activity on Friday morning. But no such luck. There's always next week. On Friday night, we added reading books to Lila's bedtime routine. We started at 6 months with Nate, so we are continuing this practice. I didn't think she would tolerate it because she is usually so tired and hungry by bedtime, but she loved it. Nate had to join for the first time.

Sweet Sister Lou. She can finally wear a bow in her hair! The child has not lost any hair so she's growing a nice baby mullet in the back. If my stylist won't cut it next week when Nate gets his haircut (she's been telling me not to cut it), I think I might have to do it myself. It's getting out of control - like ponytail long!

Happy Memorial Day! Be safe!