Kentucky Children's Garden - 2012

I am not going to try and catch up on everything I missed last fall and early this spring, but there are a few posts I have decided I want to make to fill in the gaps a bit. Late last summer (oh my it's not just fall and spring that I'm behind on!!!) our good friends the Myers introduced us to the Kentucky Children's Garden. It is located on the UK campus and is part of the State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. This place is amazing and magical! Even though it was near the end of the season we went ahead and purchased a membership and we can't wait to begin going weekly again this year! This first picture is actually right outside the Children's Garden where there are huge logs kids can climb on and through.

 Every Wednesday they have a story time. Afterwards they have activities related to the story time. My favorite last year was learning about building dams after which the kids were encouraged to build dams in the streams with a variety of materials. All I can say is if you're ever in Lexington with children this place is a must! 

The rest of these pictures are from various visits throughout August, September and October. Here's Jackson checking out some small fish or tadpoles while the big kids listen to stories.

 Travis and Jackson having fun in one of the streams

 The girls throughly enjoy the streams and mini waterfalls too!

 Picnic lunches are fun to have with friends as well :)

 There are a couple of butterfly gardens within the Children's Garden and the workers teach the kids how to safely catch butterflies. It is so much fun!

 Last year they were participating in a special project of tagging Monarchs and requested the kids assist. Here is Ms. Emma showing the kids how to tag the butterfly after Maddie caught one.

 Here are our mighty fishermen in another section of the garden :)

 Heidi and Holden joined us for a Saturday of fun one weekend. Not sure how I didn't get a picture of the boys playing, but here are Heidi, Reagan and Maddie on top of the rock cave.

This place is awesome for kids with hours and hours of fun and tons of programs! You can check more out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uk32x3slIE4&feature=youtu.be .

Touch A Truck - 2012

The end of August we went to the Touch A Truck charity event here in Lexington with Uncle Dan, Aunt Dorothy, Heidi and Holden. Last year we waited to do the hot air balloon and then missed out because the wind got to strong. That was a major dissapointement to Miss Reagan so we made sure to head there first this year. It's a good thing we did because when we found Heidi later and headed back to do it again it was down. Sure glad we didn't make that mistake twice! The kids all had a great time walking, rolling and exploring the inside of the balloon.

 Next we headed over to get faces painted because we knew from last year that that line would get incredibly long. On the way we ran into Ronald McDonald. He was quite friendly and I wasn't sure he was ever going to let us get away! lol :)

 I can't believe Jackson, Mr. Anti-Social in the flesh, let Ronald help into the car. I also need to point out the medals around Jackson's neck. We're not sure if he's become fascinated with medals because of Tim's work badges or what, but he loves to wear medals anywhere, anytime and as many as he can locate. :)

 Working hard to honk the horn

 Ronald McDonald teaching the girls a magic trick

 The ever favorite face painting. I have to say, however, we'll probably avoid this in the future given the length of time this takes. Especially if it's anywhere near a Super Saturday given how much more elaborate those designs were and literally took a fraction of the time for those face painters to accomplish. The girls were happy though and that's what's most important! :) 

 The even took place at Keeneland so there were of course some horses to view/pet as well as trucks.

 Three future truck drivers?

 You can just barely see Jackson, my future crane operator, peering over the edge

 My two little fillies in a horse trailer

 Jackson driving a tractor. I love his face in this picture. Can't you just hear the accompanying tractor sounds he's making?

We still had a good time this year, but it was so much hotter than last year that we didn't stay as long as before. We also weren't sure they had quite as many trucks this year. It was still a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon with our best buds Heidi and Holden and it's always great to support a good cause!



Kentucky State Fair

The end of August one of my old highschool friends,Greg, came to Kentucky for our State Fair. We decided to go over to Louisville one day to visit him as well as enjoy the fair. I don't think we had ever taken the kids to a fair before and I've only ever been to county fairs. I have to say it was pretty impressive and we had a great time. I think we'll have to go back again in the future!

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When we first got there they had this amazing balloon display. Each day they were making a new creation that had to do with air travel. I wish I had taken a picture that included more because there was a space ship blasting off as well as a hot air balloon that were both quite impressive. I believe Reagan is posting with Amelia Earhart. 

 Next we visited a booth that represented KY beef. There were a number of games and activities that the kids enjoyed hear including pretending to be little farmers. :)

 This little dragon was so cool and funny! It spoke to you and interacted (moved, talked, asked and answered questions) with the kids while discussing water safety. All the children thought it was great and I think most of the adults were getting a pretty big kick out of it as well.

 Jackson thought this mini police car was pretty cool

 Before heading to the fairway we also enjoyed seeing some livestock including cows and an awesome exhibit where baby chicks were hatching. It was so neat to watch the eggs crack and make their way out of the shells. I'm sorry I didn't get any pictures, but it wasn't the easiest thing to take a picture of and I was busy holding kids so they could watch the chicks hatch.

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One of our first stops on the fairway was for cotton candy!!! We of course had to purchase the MONSTER bag! :) 

 Reagan loves her cotton candy! :)

 Jackson loved the cotton candy but not the mess which is what he is saying here "Mess, mess, mess." lol :)

 Silly Missy K enjoyed her cotton candy just a little bit too. :)

 Happy again and shouting "candy!!!"

 Time for some rides! :)

 While Kennedy and Jackson enjoyed the carousel Greg volunteered to take Reagan over to the swings for a final ride.

 It was plenty hot so we decided to get some fun slushes. You purchased the large cup and then made your own selection of the mix you wanted. Both girls (me too if I'm being honest) thought this was pretty cool and we all enjoyed this cold treat!

What a super fun day! Definitely something we'll have to do again! And as always it's great catching up with old friends! :)