This past Friday we went on a lovely "ramble" at a local park with a bunch of other parents and kids (from our local attachment parenting group). For Seattlites, it was Camp Long, very close to us — a park without playgrounds, but with tons of stuff to do and see and explore.
It was a kid-paced hike — we followed the kids whims about where to go and what to do. It was the first time I tried something like this without the stroller for the little ones, and all went smashingly well! We spend a fair bit of time climbing some rocks and boulders, went up and down a ton of steps, ran in the field, had lunch and chatted while the kids played, wandered, and rolled on a grassy hill. Some of our group went faster, some slower, some broke off from the group(s) at various points.
I know a lot of parents with toddler twins avoid things like this, but I found it was actually GREAT because we were so far away from cars and parking lots that they could wander pretty safely. None of my girls are big bolters, though, so that helps. There were defintitely times where I needed to hold hands with both of them (the steps, in and out of the parking area, and near some water) but for the most part it was really quite easy and even a bit relaxing!
After lunch we wandered over to see some ponds, watched ducks and threw sticks and pinecones in the water. That part was nerve-wracking for me — it was a full time job to keep Elsie and Delia out of the water, ha ha! Luckily, it was time to head home before too long. We had fun, though, and will definitely be back!
Elsie in pink coat/blue sweatshirt, Delia in blue coat/green sweatshirt. Emma in her favorite flower pants!
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……never anything cuter, and you have it in triplicate. I am homesick (for your home)….
We had a similar outing today. My son was a bit disappointed that we went to a park with no playground but after he got over it I thought it was quite fun. I agree that it’s so nice to be in a place where the kids can run and have some freedom without worrying about them running into the road or something. A fun adventure!