One of the upsides to a staycation...
I don't have to pack!! I cannot tell you how much I dislike packing. Over the years I have seen informative little bits in magazines that show how to take 5 articles of clothing, 2 of which are different pairs of shoes, and create 35 different outfits with them, for easy packing. I always think that the next time I pack, I can do that. In reality, I don't know how they make that work? I can't make that work! No matter how much effort I put toward packing light, it never happens. I'm pretty sure that packing light is a myth!
The downside of a staycation is keeping everyone excited!
The girls were a little concerned that we wouldn't have any fun. I'll admit, it can be easy to fall into regular routine if you're not careful.
To prevent routine from taking over, and to make sure the girls got to do some things they thought would be fun, we sat down last week and asked the girls to tell us some of the things they would like to do.
The Husband and I took their suggestions, added in some of our own and created a plan for the week. However, to prevent the girls from grumbling about any of the plans that we were concerned they would not immediately be excited about, we told them nothing! Nothing more than we are taking a stay at home vacation that is.
Each morning the girls get the day's itinerary along with a list of items they should bring along, and what to wear. So far it has worked out very well, except that they can't stop asking what we are going to do the other days. Nothing like enjoying the moment eh?
They have become extremely intent on getting us to spill the beans. The little stinkers! It's not going to happen! I hope.
Yesterday held a little something old and a little something new.
The old was a visit to Como Zoo and Conservatory. We love it there! We've been often.
The family was very patient with me, as I once again stopped to take photos before we'd even entered the park.
I can't help it. It's so beautiful!
The water lilies at the park entrance are amazing!
The colors are magnificent!
I could stay there for hours!
But we'll move on.
Right...
now.
Our big adventure for the day wasn't really the zoo that we've been to many, many times.
Though we do enjoy the animals.
They're always a delight.
Although there seemed to be a lot of drama going on the other day.
Maybe the animals could sense we weren't really there for them.
 |
Maybe they knew we had other plans. Plans that distracted us from giving them our full attention. |
After awhile, they wouldn't even look at us.
Clearly they were upset.
It wasn't anything personal, we really only stopped to fill in the time before heading to the main attraction of our day which didn't open until noon.
The new Como Park Pool!! -whoop whoop-
The pool was the perfect adventure for yesterday's hot weather.
The zero depth pool rimmed with fountains was a hit. Little kids loved it!
And maybe a few big kids loved it too!
There's a climbing wall accessible from the pool.
As well as a couple of perches on top of the climbing wall that are perfect for cannonballs!
Or almost cannonballs.
There's also a zip line.
Which Miss Sofia was willing to try out after a bit of encouragement from Mom and Dad.
Oops! She lost her grip pretty quickly.
I was very proud of her for giving it a try!
Then I felt very bad because the zip line bar did a number on her fingers when she fell.
We took Miss Sofia over to the first aid station to see if we could get a little antiseptic wash.
Here is our only complaint about the Como Park Pool. While there are plenty of lifeguards on duty. They're everywhere.
The staff had no idea what to do for a minor first aid situation. Not one of the staff members even came close enough to take a look at her. They were at a loss. After several staff members gave us blank stares, one finally did some scrambling around then told us she couldn't do anything for Miss Sofia because of liability. What??
We took her to the restroom and washed her bleeding fingers there.
If you ever decide to head for the Como Park Pool, may I suggest you pack a small first aid kit with some antiseptic wash and a few waterproof bandaids. Little cuts and scrapes happen. They're not the end of the world. But you won't get any help from the first aid station at the pool!
This little incident is why I don't have any photos of the girls jumping from the top of the climbing wall or even climbing the climbing wall. They were a little injury shy at that point.
Oh well. We still enjoyed the lazy river and the larger swimming pool.
Four thumbs up for our second day's adventure!
Christine
