Some of my fondest memories as a kid involved trips to the park. Where I grew up, we didn't live within walking distance of swings or slides. It required about 20 minutes of travel. So it was a treat whenever we got to go. It is also a place that was special for me because my Grandma Dorie, who passed away right after I started kindergarten, took me there a fair amount the summer she watched me.
Now that I'm a mother, I feel incredibly blessed to live in a town where there are not only tons of parks, but there are multiple parks I can easily walk to with a child in tow. And in the off chance I'm ever too bored with Bothell parks (really, it won't happen), it is an easy bus ride into Seattle to enjoy many other parks as well.
I first started taking Jeremiah to the park last summer. The weather was beautiful, and he was 7/8/9 months old. I initially gave him super gentle rides in the swing, and before long he enjoyed a little more adrenaline. But let's face it, even 9-month-olds are only going to truly appreciate what is right before them. His love for parks basically began and ended with swings.
This year we were blessed with what appears to be a short winter, which means we are seeing fewer gray Pacific Northwest days now that spring is almost here. Today happened to be the third beautiful, sunshiny day in a row and the temperature has even been more than comfortable. Because Travis is dealing with a foot infection, he had the day off. But even on days he's supposed to relax, he gets stir crazy. So we took a quick trip down to the nearest park.
It is so fun to see how much more Jeremiah can appreciate and enjoy this year compared to last. The fact he has grown, developed and learned so much is apparent - but to see the joy in his eyes when he experiences more aspects of the park is truly priceless.
As he gets more and more comfortable walking outside, I look forward to taking him to see the ducks, walk (safely) along the water, and start playing ball. He already loves playing catch with his dad, so it will be fun watching him expand his sports. But mostly it will be such a joy to continue watching as he explores the world around him.
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