Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum and East Sioux Falls Historic Site

Phew! I think this one gets the award for the longest name! We actually visited this park way back in August. We'd driven through and visited the Perry Nature area before, but that was a long time ago. There is a ton of new stuff now, with all of the trees that have been identified with signs, walking paths that have been laid, and signs to describe the city of East Sioux Falls. This place has a little for everyone.

The kids, of course, loved running up and down the walking paths and checking out the different trees. Bill and I enjoyed reading about the history of East Sioux Falls. And everybody enjoyed the tranquil walk down in the Perry Nature Area. The stream is so peaceful (to me) and so full of adventure (for the kids).

This park is actually being completed in phases and you can visit the Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum website to find out more about what they have planned. It's going to be amazing! I'll use my blog space to show my own pictures. : ) And we have tons of them for this place. I had some guest photographers on this night. Pretty much, if Leah is in the picture, Bo probably took it. And if you see Bo in the picture, Leah was behind the camera. Enjoy!

I think Leah was having them pose for these pictures.

She probably told them to do this.

Strike a pose.

These signs were full of really interesting information and photos of the city of East Sioux Falls. Very educational.

I told you that walk by the stream was full of adventure. There were vines to swing on (above) and toads to chase and capture (below)!

We had to get movin'. My plan was still to visit Arrowhead Park this evening and we were running out of daylight!

Playing Catch-up

My lack of blogging has not been for a lack of park visits. It's actually just been a lack of motivation. I don't know what my problem has been. First, I told myself, it was because we were getting into the new routine of school. Then it was because we were getting ready for Grier's first birthday party. In reality, it's more likely my Pinterest obsession that began in August that has caused me to get so far behind. But I'm not a quitter, just a procrastinator at heart, and I feel my latest "before the snow flies" deadline approaching faster than I'd like. So, I guess I'd best start getting caught up. We are not quite finished with the parks, but we've got the finish line in our sights! 58 down, 19 to go!

The One You've All Been Waiting For

Generally, when I've told people about our endeavor to visit all of the Sioux Falls Parks, people's initial response is, "Wow! That's so cool!" Then, after a moment to ponder, they usually say something like, "Wait. Are you even going to visit that weird Van Eps Park on north Minnesota Avenue?" Well, I can now officially say, "Yes. I have been to Van Eps Park and I lived to tell the tale."

We actually didn't start there, though. Our fun actually began when my friend, Katie texted to see what we were up to. She had just left the Target over by my house and was wondering if we were at a park or anything because they were looking for something to do. Since Grier was still napping, I suggested they come over to play until she got up and then we could go to some parks. The weather was such that it would have been a shame not to be outside.

While deciding on what exactly to do, Katie mentioned that it was the last night that Oh My Cupcakes! would be open until 6pm. Personally, it's not my favorite place in the world, but the mere mention of OMC sends my children into orbit. So, it was decided that we'd head toward some downtown parks that still needed visiting. A stop at a gas station for some beverages, Little Caesar's for a Hot 'n' Ready cheese pizza, and OMC for some Buy One Get One free cupcakes produced a super healthy picnic supper to be enjoyed at Tower Park.

I think it must be called Crazy Bread because it's crazy that something so disgusting can taste soooo good.

Leah took this picture and I think it's so cute. It would be absolutely perfect if Bo's head was tilted just enough that you could see all of Fletcher's face and then Jake's from behind Fletch. Still...adorable.

A little guest photography by Leah.

The babies crawled around near the picnic blanket, where the mamas were chatting. Fletcher and his Jake-friend played on the playground. And Leah and Bo enjoyed hiking in the woods that lead down toward the Falls. I have to be honest, my normally "let them be kids" self was a little apprehensive about this, as I had just read an article in today's paper about an appeal being made by the man (from death row) who kidnapped, raped, and murdered a little girl who was my age, only blocks from this park, 21 years ago. Even as a little girl, I remember hearing about it. I remember our moms all being super-protective and on high alert that summer. My kids are snuggled in safe and sound at this moment, but reading this story now, as a mom, I can't help but be shaken up in a whole different way.

Whew! How was that for heavy? When the kids could stand it no longer (the cupcakes were being saved for the next park), we loaded up and headed down to Van Eps Park. As you look at the pictures, you'll see why we saved the cupcakes for this park. There isn't a whole lot else to do here. It is pretty much just a city block of grass, a few trees, a park sign, and a picnic table. Although, the kids somehow managed to make even this park a fun one!

The dining facilities.

The scenery. FYI- The sign above the dumpster says, "Romantix." Maybe that guy I saw back in June, wearing the "breakfast of champions" shirt, does his shopping here.

The playground. Jake turned the curb into a balance beam and Fletcher was using a stick to swing at him.

The whole time the other kids were running and playing tag, Baby G just kept standing up and sitting down. This was more than enough entertainment for her. I think she was quite proud of herself!

Tuthill Park

Despite my less than pleasant attitude the last time Emily and I attempted to go to the park together (read: Worst. Park. Day. EVER.), she was willing to give me another try. Thursday, August 11th, we met at what I consider to be one of the prettiest parks in Sioux Falls. Even though I so readily handed out the LAP Award (Least Attractive Park Award), it is a little trickier to give out the LPA (Loveliest Park Award). Tuthill would definitely be in the Top 3.

We started out at the upper playground and then ate a picnic lunch. Before heading down to the lower playground, we walked across the parking lot for some pictures in the gardens. One thing we didn't do while we were up there, that I know my kids would have loved, was that we didn't go back on the trails that lead down into the woods. They would have been excited for another day of hiking, but I figured we could save that for another time.

They're both fourth children. They're used to sharing.

I think Ryker, peaking out at the bottom, is my favorite in this one.

"That's a huge one, Mom. That one's huge," Fletcher says of the tree.

Run!

The oldests and the youngests.

I didn't actually get a sign picture yet, but I will add it once I have one. Plus, Emily took a picture with her phone that turned out better than any of mine. It was of all of the kids trying to see if their arms could wrap all the way around the giant tree. According to Emily, it's the biggest tree trunk in Sioux Falls! By the way, their arms didn't quite reach, but I bet they would by next year, or for sure if we brought the dads along!

Menlo Park

Not a lot to say about this one either. We haven't had the sand toys out in a while, so the picture of the playground is for informational purposes only. The kids didn't actually play on it. They were having too much fun digging in the sand!

Mmm...He looks good.

Emerson Park

On Wednesday morning, we decided to check out a couple of centrally located parks. After we got our picture at Campus Park, we headed over to Emerson Park. It's located at the site of the old Emerson Elementary School. If I remember correctly, the school was located on the north end of the block, up above where those stone steps are. Not that it really matters. I was just trying to think of something to say. There isn't a lot to report about this park, so I'll just let you look at the pictures and I'll just enjoy the fact that it's another park checked off the list. : )

Loose Ends

There were a couple of parks that never got pictures taken until this week, but we actually visited them a while ago.

Back in July, Bill took the kids to Campus Park, which we've been to on many occasions before, but didn't have the camera for a picture. So, while we were doing a little tour of centrally located parks on Wednesday, August 10th, we stopped for a quick pic. Where is Leah in this picture? Take a look at the second picture. If you look very carefully, you may be able to see an elbow and a purple-legginged knee sticking out from behind the tree. Why is she mad you wonder? Look who's holding Baby G in the sign picture.



Another park that we've technically been to frequently this summer was Oak View Park. Its address is listed as 3rd Street and Bahnson Avenue. That would be same address as the Oak View Library, where we've had story time throughout the summer. Behind the library, there is a pretty little grassy area and a walking path, but nothing that jumps out and says CITY PARK. Plus, there's no sign. So, that day I stopped in at the SFPR office to ask about Kiwanis Park, I also asked about this one. The lady working at the desk confirmed that the grassy area around the library is, in fact, the park. Knowing we had another story time coming up on the 9th, we waited and took a picture then. We even had a friend with us that night!