It's summer which means we are at the park – a different park every week and sometimes more than that.  We've been gone someplace pretty much daily which is out of character for me. But, this is why we came here and we are determined to see all we can. 

A stellar park day was shared with two families who welcomed us warmly last year and have been steadfast since.  One of their little boys had a dinosaur themed birthday party at a phenomenal German park which features life sized dinosaurs placed throughout the woods and fields and playgrounds and streams.  Did I mention the streams?  Because they were a big hit. Big. 

 The little girls of our family are now the babies of the group making the previous two "little girls" of the bunch feel much, much bigger.  They embraced their new roles introducing Abbie and Tess to the grounds and making sure no one was left behind. Not even for a moment. 

 The boys?  Well, we caught a few glimpses of them.  Mostly like this:

They played an Amazing Race game, speeding from one part of the park to another to complete their challenges.  

 We did catch them all together once they got hungry though.  When they ran off again I got some pictures of these lovely young women, beautiful inside and out. 

 Alannah adores these girls.  We were talking  afterwards and she said, "You know, they are just always happy.  And, they never talk about anyone."  We decided there is probably a definite connection between those two points. : ) It is a beautiful – and rare – thing to find friends with whom your heart is safe.  She is learning that now and appreciating it when she finds it. 

 And so am I.  So while my house is a little worse for wear some days I can't imagine a better way to spend a summer.