Friday, May 6, 2011

Splash Pad and Butterflies

Yesterday my best buddy Jen and her son Owen joined me and Liam at a splash pad (park with cool sprinklers) out in Phoenix. We had a blast. Liam and Owen are too cute together.



At first Liam didn't know what to think about the water. It was a little cold. But after awhile he started crawling (a little) in the splash pad. I ran with him through one of the tunnels and he seemed to enjoy it. We had a picnic and enjoyed being outside.

If you want to go to a splash pad there a couple around the valley. We went to Altadena Park (36th Street and Cactus). There are several in the East Valley like Chuparosa Park Spray Pad (Germann and Dobson), Desert Breeze Park (Rural and Ray), and Espee Park (McQueen and Arizona Ave). There are also splash pads at some of the outdoor malls (Desert Ridge, Kierland Commons, San Tan Village). The biggest one I know of is Tempe Beach Park, which I plan on going to when it opens up again on May 31st. These are all free, which is fantastic. But if you feel like paying you can always go to the splash pad at the Phoenix Zoo. I have heard that it is pretty cool.

Today, Liam and I went to Desert Botanical Garden with my friend Janea and her two kids. Apparently today is National Public Garden Day so it was free to get in. It usually cost $18 for one adult admission. So great deal. I am going to have to put this down as a reoccurring event in my outlook so we can go next year. I had never been to Desert Botanic Garden so I thought it was pretty neat.




My favorite part was the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion. I didn't take any pictures because they wouldn't let me take the stroller in. I am not talented enough to carry Liam and take pictures at the same time. There were tons of butterflies everywhere. One landed on my arm :) There also was an area that showcased the Native American population which used to live in the Salt River Valley (now know as Tempe/Phoenix). They had replicas of their huts and gardens. By the time we left, which was at 10:30am (we got there at 8am), it was already 93 degrees outside. I don't know how anyone could have survived in Phoenix without air conditioning. The past two days have made me think about how truly blessed we are to have water and air conditioning. Also as a side note, if there is anyone who lives in a much cooler climate who wouldn't mind me and Liam staying with them this summer let me know. Ha ha

3 comments:

Jen Perkins said...

Owen made your blog page?? Exciting! Sorry I didn't call you back about the Desert Botanical Garden. Looks like you guys had a great time. :)

Cory said...

Looks like lots of fun! There is also a good splash pad at desert breeze park in Chandler if you are ever over there. Also, culture pass at the library for free trips to the zoo or botanical garden (or phoenix children's museum :)) are great because it is SO not worth paying when you can realistically only stay an hour or two. Can't wait to see you guys!!!

Cory said...

that was amber....hahahaha