Wonderful Day at the Park

Today we had a wonderful day at the park (hence - the title) and I just wanted to write about it so I didn't forget it. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera at home so do not have any pictures.

It was the first really nice sunny day that fell on playgroup day. We met up at Humbolt park on the East Side of Providence. Sam and I hadn't been there since last Fall so it was great to be back. We also hadn't seen some of our playgroup friends in so long so that was nice too to see mostly everyone again.

Sam had such a good time!!! He started off slow playing with some toys he played with last year. But then, he was off to the climby thing with stairs and slides! He was doing really good for a while going up the stairs and down the slides. Then, he decided to go down the big slide on his belly face first. Wump - nose digger right into the wood chips! He was not happy - poor little guy. And, low and behold, the first bloody nose!!! Is this cruel of me, I thought it was an exciting milestone? :) He was great though, cried for a little bit but let me wipe the blood off and then he was his normal happy self. He ended up with a little cut on his lip too. One other little fall of a plastic climbing thing was the extent of his mishaps for the day. The rest of the time, he was having fun fun fun!!! He didn't even get upset when a couple of older kids used him for target practice with sand. Parents intervened and Sam decided to seek out enjoyment somewhere else other than the sand box. Sam mostly played by himself but did have some moments of nice interaction with the other kids. He certainly never felt the need to stay near Mommy! He wandered all over the place while I watched from our blankets like a momma hawk.

The big moment for me was when it was time to go. I was dreading this. I always hate to dissapoint him but I had to be home for work and it was his nap time. I gathered up all of our stuff and walked over to where he was playing. I bravely mustered up my courage and told him we had to go. He said, "no." I asked him if he would walk with me to the gate. He said, "ok." Hmmmm, maybe this will be good after all? So, we get to the gate, I open it and he walks through out onto the side walk. I'm thinking, "wow! he left the park without doing the kicking tantrum thing - sweet!!!" Now we are on the sidewalk on a semi-busy street. I would really feel more comfortable if he was holding my hand but I know Sam, he never - ever - holds hands. Even when he was learning to walk. Very independant. But, I'm a sucker for punishment, so I ask anyway. Wouldn't you know it - he put one of his cute pudgy little hands in mine!!! He walked with me that way all the way to the truck! At one point, we became disconnected and he held out his and and said, "hand!" I was so excited! I had been getting worried that I'd never be able to teach him the whole holding hands thing when walking near traffic and crossing the street. Plus, it was just so sweet to walk with him that way. :) I plopped him in the truck and got him strapped in and headed home. He was asleep about 5 minutes later. All in all - a very pleasant leave taking of the park.

I sure do love my little man!!!

Since I don't have a picture from today, here are a couple from last year...