Exploring Powell Gardens

Ava enjoying some TV time on the drive there.

Oh yes, another fun-filled playdate with Liz and Will Indellicate.  As these two get older, it is just more and more fun to watch them play together.  Ava loves her Will, and has finally gotten the hang of saying his name (he is no longer "Wall").  This time we decided to explore Powell Gardens, a beautiful outdoor area that had seven fairy houses and forts for the kids to explore.  When I initially asked Liz if she'd be up for this trip, I didn't realize it was an hour drive from our house.  Luckily, the Indellicate van is equipped for just such an occasion with a DVD player AND earphones for the kids.  Awesome.

I think that it was the perfect combination of walking and enjoying the beautiful scenery, and letting the kids run and explore.  The first "fort" was called "Mirror Mirror", with a wall of mirrors along the side.  The kids enjoyed checking out their reflection and looking at each other through the peep-holes.

Next, off to the "Ice Haus" which was made perfect for a little ice fairy.

The kiddos then discovered this stature of a rabbit, or "bunny foo foo" if you will.  I should have known that this would become a favorite.  We literally had to tear them away from it, and Ava continued to ask to go play with the foo foo for the rest of the day. 

We were off to explore Skeleton Island on Shipwrecked Cove.  This fort was made from salvaged wood from shipwrecked boats.  Very cool.  As you can imagine, they had a blast exploring this one.

The trails were so beautiful, I had to share a picture!

"Fairy Outpost 8" was our next fairy house, which was complete with a bucket, rag, and chalk for the kids to write with.  This was a favorite, and I believe there was even a chance for them to practice sharing the bucket with each other.   

The kids explored the "Star Tetrahedon" next.  And the view from the fort was simply gorgeous.

Ava loves pointing out the airplanes in the sky...every, single one of them!

Friends.

The 4 of us....rare to get a picture of all of us!

The next fort was called "Point of View," which I didn't completely understand because the view wasn't that spectacular.  But the kiddos loved playing in it with the sandbox and the balcony.  Of course, what kid doesn't love playing in the sand?

"Light Wings Pavillion" was the last play area, and one of my favorites.  It looked like a giant bee hive, and the kids enjoyed playing chase around it, peek-a-boo through it, and climbing on it...

Ooops.....

The ceiling cast the shadow of wings on the floor.

Peek-a-boo!

And the final set of pictures of these two awesome, amazing, wonderful kids...by far my favorite of the whole trip.  They both laid down in the grass to play - love them so much!

Until our next adventure....