The Lee Family: Tulips!

Today after Meeting I decided to take the girls to the Dallas Arboretum so we could enjoy the tulips, have lunch, and take some pictures. With CK in Florida for a flight training course/visit to his parents, I wanted to take full advantage of this beautiful sunny mid-70 degree day!

Once we arrived at the Arboretum, we parked out further than I've ever parked before, and headed in. We bought lunch (hot dogs and lemonade for the girls and a grilled veggie sandwich and iced tea for me) and walked over to the large grassy area to lay out our picnic blanket and enjoy our food. It really was a gorgeous day and felt great to sit outside in the full sun without being hot or it being windy (it is often windy here in the Spring). After finishing, the girls took their shoes off and ran around on the grass. Of course, Olivia who loves to wear tights or leggings all the time, had two big grass stains on her knees within minutes! I was also able to get some cute pictures of the girls, who after the fourth or fifth photo were completely done with smiling for the camera. There were so many families out enjoying the weather and looking at the thousands of perfect tulips, but it really didn't feel crowded. After more attempts of photos and pointing out different tulips and other spring flowers, we headed to the "frog fountains" so the girls could play in the water. Thankfully, I have old swimsuits for both girls in the car at all times that I put in my purse. The girls changed in the bathroom and we headed to the frog fountains. Sofia didn't remember them, although she did remember to check on the pollywogs (stone pollywogs at the bottom of a little stone pool) at the entrance to the fountains. The girls played with the pollywogs for a few minutes then were ready for some real water fun!

The girls held hands while they headed down the walkway to the frog fountains - it was so sweet! Once we arrived at the fountains, they were both in the water immediately and running around with the other kids. I think the girls were the only ones in swimsuits, which surprised me because I think they have always been the only ones not in swimsuits. Several of the kids were apparently not supposed to get as wet as they did, but they sure had fun. Sofia spent her time crawling around and curling up under one of the frogs, so I'm sure she had an elaborate story going along with her play. Meanwhile, Olivia just wanted the frog to spray water directly on her belly or back. They enjoyed it so much. We spent about an hour playing in the water before Sofia decided she needed to read a little Harry Potter. She recently started reading the series and is on the 2nd book and loving it! She spends every waking hour reading and can't get through them fast enough (it only took her 5 days to finish the 1st book!). Olivia played for a bit longer, then wanted to change into her clothes right there! She started undressing but I was able to wrap the picnic blanket around her and get her clothes on a bit more discreetly than she planned on. Sofia stayed in her suit. As we headed back to the car, the girls got a popsicle (Sofia read the entire walk to the car). Olivia was asleep after a few minutes as we drove home. During baths, I realized Sofia got a little too much sun and had a bit of a sunburn on her shoulders. I never even considered how little we've been in the sun and how long her shoulders were exposed. It was pretty minor and will likely be gone in a day or two. Such a fun day!

Tulips