Easter Weekend

Saturday we headed to our first Phillies game of the season. It was the last pre-season/ spring training game. It was a windy day but the sun was bright enough to keep us from freezing.

Our seats were right next to the bullpen.

The Phillies won the game, and Rudy managed to pay attention to most of it, so it was a successful outing. On the way out we stopped for some pictures by one of the statues from the Vet.

The only picture I took on Easter is of the kids after dinner. they all sat and read books while we finished eating. (Note: this was a parental suggestion, but they all embraced it without complaint- Rudy did not embrace the picture taking as evidenced by his hiding behind his book.)

Monday was our lats day off and the best day in a while, so Rudy and I headed out with Donna and the boys to Birch Grove.

I don't know why these pictures uploaded sideways, and I don't have the patience to redo them, so turn your screen sideways and enjoy. :)

The last task of the walk. Jared had been searching for a log to cross over. He was the first one over this. All the other boys tried, so gave up, but then tried again and eventually they all crossed it.

Birch Grove Park Walk

On a recent Sunday, we decided to forgo church and take a walk. Rudy chose his outfit- khakis and a button down shirt so that "people would think I went to church" and to show "I worship God".  So after laughing for a few minutes, we headed out.

When we tell Rudy we're going for a walk, we usually meet with a little resistance- "I don't want to", "I don't like it there", but the minute we arrive he is off running, climbing and exploring.

The roots from two trees formed a natural bench.

Pollen in the water made some cool designs. (and if you look carefully, there's a turtle swimming around).

A curved tree

Some bumpy exposed roots

The King of the World

Oh, and he also put gel in his hair. Hiker and God worshiper extraordinaire.

Lily pads. We never did see any frogs, although the noisily running boy may have had something to do with that!

We may be heathens for skipping church, but we certainly enjoyed being out in God's world.

Fresh Cold Air

We've been dealing with some cold weather around here. But we also have two boys who need to get out and run around, so we've been braving the cold to go take a walk (or run in Rudy's case) in the woods.

Last weekend we went to Estell Manor Park. The weather was finally going above freezing, but a lot of the water was still frozen.

The boys had fun through pine cones on the pond and watching them bounce across the ice. It was also very foggy in some places.

A ring of ice in a puddle.

Running, running, running. The best thing about being in the woods- unlimited places to run!

And lots of things to jump, climb, and explore.

Today we headed to Birch Grove Park. Once again, Rudy immediately went into flight mode and left us behind.

Paul and N brought up the rear.

Part of Rudy's plan with running ahead seemed to be to try to climb things he thought we'd say no if we were closer. I just warned him that if he got wet, we would have to head home immediately.

N had fun picking up sticks and throwing them into the water. He actually walked the whole time; we didn't bring the stroller.

Of course, after about 45 minutes of walking around, this was my view. But he rallied and got up and made it to the playground.