Belleview Park: Take 1 AND 2

So Thursday night I promised Nolan that in the morning we would hit up a great park in the area. It has a train ride, petting zoo, playground, and creek. He was so looking forward to it and woke up Friday asking to go pet the animals! So we got ready and headed out!

Sadly, when we got there we found out that one of the animals got hurt or was sick or something and they closed the barn for the day! HUGE bummer for a 2 year old! But he rallied, and we rode the train and played at the park. We didn't even attempt to wade in the creek since I was on my own with both boys! And I promised him we'd come back again tomorrow to see the animals! I'm such a sucker! So here are some pictures of this 1 Mama and her 2 boys making our way through Belleview park in 95 degree weather!

Boarding the train: It was impossible to get them both to look at the camera! They were checking out the conductor at this point.

And once again, Nolan is looking- not smiling, but looking, so let's be happy about that! But Heath had better things to do! Thank you to Mrs. Van Eps for taking this picture! We ran into her and her adorable grandchildren while at the park!

Yay! They are both looking, squinting grumpily from the sun, but looking! Nolan had a blast riding the train! He loved the tracks, bridges, tunnel, and horn! He shouted "All Aboard" with the conductor and waved to all the people!

After the train ride we hit up the park, a close 2nd to the closed petting zoo! Here's Nolan rockin' on the airplane. (Notice Heath in the background, patiently waiting in the sweltering heat for his brother to be done playing! Someday soon, Heath, you'll be able to keep up!)

Nolan said, "Look at me Mommy, I'm a monkey in a cage!"

The slides were scorching...he went down a few and then realized that burning his buns was not quite worth it!

Going across the "Grumpy Old Troll's Bridge".

Taking some time out for a snack in the shade before we left. Yes, his hat is always crooked, he's gangsta like that!

After such a hot day we were all sticky and sweaty so we stopped for a "special drink", as Nolan calls them, at Sonic! Slushies make everything better! This day wasn't shaping up to be so bad for him after all!

And here we are- Saturday, Take 2 of Belleview Park! Once again I'm on my own, a Fantasy Football Widow! But thank goodness the farm was open! Yippee!

Looking at the birds! He wanted to know every animal's name!

It was hard to help Nolan with the animals, navigate through the numerous poop piles, and take pictures, all while holding my 20 lb. little one! So my pictures are not too stellar! But you get the jist.

Nolan asked what these were. I guess he'd never seen an all black duck before. I don't know if I had either!

Petting the sheep! He also pet a cow and a pig, but I wasn't able to get photos. The pig was massive and red! He kept wanting to pet it's tail- that seemed a bit gross to me, but whatever! Heath pet the pig too, I think he was a little scared because he started crying...but I guess it was about 5 times his size! Maybe Heath really does take after me!

Checking out Mr. Turkey...this bird was not afraid to walk right into your personal space. Nolan was not afraid. I, on the other hand, was terrified he was going to peck our eyes out!

Here are the boys doing some farm puzzles! Nolan is WAY into puzzles these days. But doesn't Heath look so big sitting at the table with his brother?!

What a stud!

And of course we could not come back to the park without another train ride! It was just too hard to get Nolan to pass that up again! Nolan was trying to hold onto Heath before I got into the train. Too cute!

And he gave him a kiss too! Love it! Too bad this glorious moment didn't last longer.

10 minutes later, post ride, Nolan refused to get off the train insisting that he ride again. I yanked him down, and he climbed back in. I had to put Heath and our 10 lb. backpack down on a weedy bee infested hill, pull Nolan down again, hold on to him while picking Heath & the backpack back up, and drag a whining Nolan back to the stroller to get Heath buckled in. Finally I was hands free and could calmly talk to Nolan and distract him from wanting another ride. His fit only lasted about 2 minutes, but I was exhausted and ready to get home.

2 days with 2 boys in hideous heat at a busy park was enough for me! I'm not sure how single mom's do it! I guess the memories and experiences for the boys are worth it! But next time, I'm bringing Mark with me!