September: Botanical Garden

Jessica, Aaron, Julia, and I visited a local botanical garden one misty Saturday morning while we were visiting. I'd been there as a kid, but was so impressed with all the renovations that had been made since I'd last been there, including a super impressive children's garden area, with lots of interactive activities for kids. The local garden railway club was also there that day, and had an adorable set-up for their trains, including a Thomas engine. Julia was in seventh heaven. When we finally dragged her away from the trains, she cried. A lot. She recovered, though, and enjoyed the rest of the gardens. We all had a great time, and capped the morning off with burger, fries, and shakes from one of our favorite local joints for lunch. We were all so glad we got to spend so much time with Aunt Jessica while we were in Kansas!

Julia was given a railroad crossing sign!

Ohmygoodness, Ohmygoodness, THOMAS!!!

Haha! Remember St. Choo Choo?

AAAH! THOMAS! OHMYGOODNESS! THOMAS!

Julia and Aunt Jessica enjoying the trains!

Julia thinks, "I would stay here by the train all day if I could!"

But we moved on. Tears finally stopped, Julia enters the children's garden via the rainbow!

Touching the water flowing down the mosaic fountain.

And trying to drink it.

Entering the play house!

Chef Julia cooking.

Nice work, Chef J!

Watering the garden!

Pumping more water.

Jessica, Daddy, and Casper Julia in a cave!

Digging for fossils!

Julia meets an ent.

Julia meets an ant.

Julia pouring water.

Making music!

Beautiful, isn't it?

Butterfly habitat!

Who knew Julia had a species of butterfly named after her?? ;-)

The mist settling on the flowers was gorgeous.

Life imitates art.