Today was one of those days that goes in the "mommy record book" of being one of the best days ever! There is just something so special about mommy and Luke time - one day, opportunities like today will not be available - being able to hold his little hand as we walk, picking him up and carrying him when he is tired, lifting him so he can slide down the slide, holding him on my lap as we ride the train and the carousel - almost crying as I watch his face light up at the new surroundings he is taking in - such as the huge brown bear that sticks his nose up to the glass right in front of him or the bobcat that runs up next to the glass where Luke is standing. I shared all of the these special moments with Luke today while on our own little field trip - just me and Luke.
I made plans weeks ago to take the day off today, but, at the time, I had no idea how gorgeous the weather would be. As soon as I saw what the weather would be today, I knew what Luke and I would do - take a trip to Dan Nicholas Park.
So, around lunch time, we ventured to Rowan County and begin our afternoon of playing.
We started at the 1 - 6 year old playgroud. Luke enjoyed a few of the slides, but this was not anything extra special to him since we visit other parks so much.
So, I took him to ride the train. He loved this! He sat on my lap and pointed to everything that he saw and did his jibberish talking that I can't understand but absolutely adore. His favorite part of the ride was going through the tunnels. He pointed to the dogs that he saw and said "do." He looked up at me and grinned when he saw the pretty colors in the circus tunnel. That sweet smile makes my heart melt! I think I told him 400 times today that I loved him and I can't help but kiss his little head constantly.
After the train ride, we tried the carousel. Now, this wasn't his favorite. I couldn't get him to sit on the horses. He wanted me to hold him while he barely touched the horse as it went up and down.
After the carousel, we went to the Wildlife Park. At the beginning of the Wildlife Park, there is a toddler playground. He played on the huge plastic animals and the slides for an hour. I loved watching him and following him as he climbed up and slid down. I also loved how he pointed to each animal and told me all about them in his words. He even gave the turtle and the frog a hug.
After he finished playing on the toddler playground, we headed up the sidewalk to see the animals. Luke was such a big boy. He didn't want me to carry him around the paths, he wanted to walk, so walk he did. I would occasionally grab his hand to help him ease down hills, but, other than that, he was on his own. It took us a little extra time to go from exhibit to exhibit because Luke was often distracted by the leaves and mulch. He stopped along the trail and played in the leaves every few feet. He was enjoying himself and we were in no hurry - so I let him play as long as he wanted. We did eventually make it to see the deer, the bears, the roosters, turkeys, eagles, hawk, owl, and the bobcats. The deer came up next to the fence where Luke had a close up look....so did the bears and the bobcats...they practically touched the glass where he was standing. Luke grinned and provided me with his toddler commentary of what he saw. Once again, precious beyond words!!! :) I, for sure, was having just as much fun as Luke!
In between these animal adventures, Luke sat on the bench and ate some goldfish and drank his juice. :) Then, we ended our adventure after Luke decided to jump in a puddle and then sit in the same puddle. We left with his bottom and feet soaked! What do you do???? You just laugh, take some pictures, and be thankful that you have extra onesies in the car.
Once we were back at home, we finished our day with an early dinner...Luke was starving and then a few rides in the front yard on Thomas and in the red car AND we cannot forget the usual bath adventures, tickle session, and a few books.
Luke fell asleep easily. He had a BIG DAY!
Landis' grandpa Byerly used to tell us every time he saw Luke, "If there was anything sweeter than him, they left it in heaven." Papaw - you are exactly right! My little piece of heaven is that little man snuggled in his crib right now - he brightens my day EVERY DAY and I am so thankful that God has allowed me to borrow this blessing!!! What a great day!! What a great day!!
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