Tag Archives: Botanical Gardens

July 15th, 2018

It’s that time of the year again- (sweltering) Railroad Days at Lauritzen Gardens

Desmond waving nearly the whole time he was on the train ride-Tra

“Where are the trains, Des?” “This way!”

And there they are.

It was shortly after this point that Eleanor indicated she was done with hot train day, ready for lunch and nap time

April 21st, 2018

It was a good morning to go see Metamorphosis at Lauritzen Gardens, an exhibit constructed of found, recycled and reused plastic objects. In the primary atrium, there was one installation akin to a upcycled Chihuly sculpture-

That was pretty exciting, but so were the koi fish 😉

Ella’s first time walking around the botanical gardens

Des requested his photo in front of the rainbow piece

Outside there was a collection of processed recycled materials, a look at waste in a new light

Mom really did pick out the world’s cutest rain jacket

Once outside and able to run, Des would occasionally look to 1) verify he didn’t run too far, 2) wave at everyone else from the future

Nearly at the half-way mark, Eleanor is getting tired and decides to shift modes of transportation

Taking (short) steps like a pro

An excellent pre-nap outing

Later on it warmed up sufficiently for the annual Earth Day festival in Elmwood park. Eleanor has her headphones on during the Mynabirds set, but is clearly more interested in goofing around with grandma

We’re still not sure Ella fully comprehended that she was touching a real rabbit. Like, she knows what it is, but the fact that she’s actually getting to pet one like she does Max

Des gets in on the rabbit action as well

It just doesn’t get more adorable than toddlers petting puppies

The now twice-annual post-Earth Day taco outing. Next year, definitely the 24th St. favorite over Mula

March 18th, 2017

Rise and shine for the LEGO artists expo at the botanical center. In addition to the prior lego exhibit, there were a lot of interesting builds from the Lincoln/Omaha Lego group. Featured here is a train racing past Ray’s Music Exchange (don’t tell mom)

What kid wouldn’t dive into a pile of legos? Des occasionally looked over at his older cousin for both validation and cues on what to do next 🙂

These two goofballs taking a break for a photo before lunch arrived

Sure Mr. Waiter, you can (try to) take our picture

Later in the afternoon at grandpa’s house, Des was focused primarily on his water can and how much he could get away with near the “pond”

Eleanor hanging with Travis and mom

February 4th, 2017

Eleanor starting her long day with early morning exercises

Eleanor’s three-month photos with Kam

She was a trooper

Eleanor presumably looking at mom’s brunch with envy, wishing she was on to solid foods

Meanwhile, Des went on an adventure with grandma Anne to the botanical center. Des was clearly ecstatic for the annual LEGO exhibit

French fries, mac & cheese, grilled cheese- oh my!

Post-nap, staring at dad’s new grow light for starting seeds in the basement

Bedtime stories- vicuña violining!

Railroad Days

Visited Lauritzen Gardens Saturday for part of the annual trains celebration throughout the city. If Des wasn’t already saying “Choo choo!” enough lately, this certainly amped that up.

Checking out the O scale display

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Hiked further in to the year-round Model Railroad Garden

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He was so in awe, he barely noticed the admission bracelet on his wrist- which presence may typically instigate a meltdown

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Hiking back, shortly before surrendering to dad’s shoulders

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Lauritzen Gardens

We head off to breakfast on a cold January morning, but not before Des squeezes in one more book with grandma.

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We trek off to the Lauritzen Gardens conservatory to warm up and walk off some energy. Des has been a walking machine over the past week.

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Downhill walking is much faster

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Still not sure what he’s thinking when he holds his hands out in front of him as he walks. Is he catching something? Soliciting low-fives?

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Just skipping down the trail

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Unlike everywhere else, all the plants are “look, but do not touch.” It’s a difficult concept to master; we’ll point instead.

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Trying to glimpse all the fishies

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One of the koi fish jumped up!

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A montage of Des walking