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Park Exploration
Yesterday afternoon, we decided that it was time to explore some of the parks in the area. According to the Bloomington Parks and Recreation guide, there are over 40 parks! And that doesn't count those in Normal. We chose four parks to visit. Two because of their pools, one because of the fact that it has a zoo and one because it has a walking trail.
First we visited the one nearest (less than a mile). Holiday Park has a lovely pool, a very nice playground area and backs up to a lake where you can fish. Illinois has a state law that if the air temperature is below 70, public pools cannot be opened. At the time we stopped by, it was only 65. The water however was 85. We found that we could join the pool, which would give us swimming priviledges at both pools in Bloomington, for 90.00. To go one time would cost 10.00. Even if we only stay a month, I imagine we will go at least 2-3 times a week, so it was cheaper to go ahead and join up.
Next we visited Miller Park. Miller Park has a zoo. There is a lake nearby with paddle boats. And they are in the process of rebuilding a minature golf course and spray park and they have a huge new playground they are putting in. While there, we tested the older playground equipment.
Jack tried out a different twisty slide, his height makes the twisty slides a little tricky for him
Jack tried out the zip thing. I told him, he was going to have to lift his feet off the ground if he wanted to go zipping along.
Jack and Katrina standing next to a lovely tree next to the lake at Miller Park where you can rent paddle boats.
As we left the lake, we saw this peculiar structure. A big dome with bush growing in the middle. We went for a closer look:
Then we saw a plaque that explained this was the dome of the McLean County Courthouse which was destroyed in 1900 by fire.
Then we went looking for O'Neil Park. My directions didn't send me in the right direction and I wandered about trying to find it. We couldn't. My directions to the next park, White Oak, were based on me going there from O'Neil Park. So we ran by Walgreens to pick up a couple of items Daniel needed, then we headed back to the apartment. We got on bathing suits, I printed out directions directly from our apartment to O'Neil Park.
We went in search, but the road we were told to take was closed. So we gave up and headed off to Holiday Park. We paid for our membership and then the kids happily spent a couple of hours swimming and Katrina made a friend while we were there.
These pictures turned out to be less than wonderful...a new camera is definitely calling my name.
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sounds like a lovely day
we had an interesting day its on our home school blog
Oh my gosh Melissa -- I didn't send Katrina's letter! I just found it and stuck it in the mail. Tell her it wasn't Em's fault it was mine! Should be there in just a couple of days!
Emme is loving all the pictures! I will post some of her and the other 2 kids in a few days! She wants me to take pictures of her Littlest Pet Shop toys for Katrina.
We also picked up some stickers for her next letter, which we're going to start on right away!
Glad you are all having such a good time!
Hugs,
Sherry