Mill's Pond with friends

A couple of weeks ago, Mia and I met up at Mill's Pond with our wonderful friends...Stephanie and her two boys, R & C. Over the last month, Mia and I have spent many a morning at the pond and this is what we usually do:

• go to pier and feed ducks
• Mia plays on big rock pile while I stretch and do a little yoga in the shade
• walk around the pond...spending some time on the long 'troll' bridge
• climb (Mia) & relax (mama) on the big rocks in the meditation garden
• finish walking around pond
• watch the 'duck show'
• have a picnic lunch under the trees

This time, we had COMPANY!!! Steph and the boys had never been to the pond, so we showed them the ropes. It was so nice and relaxed. Stephanie and I were able to talk a lot...something very hard to do at large playdates or with kids underfoot in general. Mia had a WONDERFUL time with the boys. Spring had sprung and many of the trees were covered in buds and small flowers. While relaxing on our blanket, I had the kids run back and forth while I practiced Long Exposure...not thrilled with my results, but we all had a blast trying :) We can't wait to do this again....(hint...hint, Stephanie)

C eats the majority of his (stale) portion of the bread for ducks

C & Mia...Prince and Princess of the rock pile

my sweet girl

redbud (?) blossoms

Lil Miss Independent

sweet smellin dogwood blossoms

watching what Mia calls 'The Duck Show"

attempts with long exposure :)

what would that tree do without C to help hold it up?

I love how comfy they are with each other :)

Wobble like a duck

Every Fall, Mill's Pond get some visitors from up North. Mia's always excited about going to the duck pond to see the regulars, who like to get fed, and the snow birds who stay in the middle of the pond. Wild. Wild ducks. Mia showed me how to 'wobble' like a duck, then asked me to join her. So I did.

While, feeding the ducks some stale popcorn, a pair of rather aggressive geese came over and tried to peck at Mia's feet. She said 'NO! Those are MY feet you can't EAT them!' Quickly back on her feet, she went off in search of more peaceful territory where we ended up finding a friendly squirrel who was more appreciative and less demanding of our treats.

She ran and ran and ran...until, she fell. Fell HARD. Then she ran and ran and ran some more!