Botanical Gardens -- Toddler Style :)

We made the BEST discovery not long ago -- the San Diego Botanic Gardens! I had read about the Gardens several months ago in a SoCal magazine that was showcasing it's awesome (and I do mean AWESOME) tree house and children's area. We finally got around to making the trek to Encinitas, and despite the heat, Abby thoroughly enjoyed every crazy, fun-filled, energetic, and exploratory minute!

This tree house absolutely MAKES the place. It's big enough for Mom and Dad to tag along, but fun enough for the little one to forget you're there :)

Ok, and despite the fact that the tree is fake, they added a million plants all throughout -- so at least it still "feels" real. Straining the whole way, Abby was so proud at making the climb up these oh-so-steep stairs to the top of the treehouse. Daddy was of course there to make it safe :)

And maybe the rope bridge was a bit much at 18 months old . . .

But the bowling set on the wooden bridge was great fun!
Giant Adirondack chairs were even fun for the adults (ok, maybe just for me -- cuz I'm a dork). Jim wouldn't sit in them, but I thought they were hilarious! At least the make a cool pic.

And then, we found the best thing EVER! A giant flower chalk board, complete with giant sidewalk chalk courtesy of the Gardens. (I'm telling you, this place ROCKS!)

Drawing/coloring is a family activity for us -- I seriously love coloring as much as Abby does (except I am neurotic about coloring in the lines :) ). Daddy joined in the fun, too because even though the heat made it a bit uncomfortable, at least the chalkboard provided good shade. Did I mention what a fabulous daddy Abigail has???

Lastly, this picture is a tribute to Jim, the former power lifter and member of the 1000 lb club. Abby was desperately trying to play tic-tac-toe with the big girls who were around, and decided to prove her mettle by lifting as many blocks as possible. Those were heavy little suckers! It appears she is just as strong and determined as her daddy. She makes him super proud! How awesome is that?!?!?!?! :)

So, for all of you with kiddos in San Diego, take a day trip to the San Diego Botanic Gardens. It's $12 well spent! And we didn't even scratch the surface . . . we'll be heading back soon for sure!