Things Making Me Smile - Out and About

These were probably over a month ago, but I just love sharing nature photos here on the blog, and I haven't been getting outside a lot lately so I don't have any new ones. So here are some old ones that you haven't seen yet! This day we went to the zoo, but spent more time in the gardens around the zoo than looking at actual animals.

Lila was enthralled with the chestnuts. She loved collecting them.

I spotted this sweet crane (I think?) and tried to get as close as I could!

And of course some geese!

I had to have Lila model this adorable headband that we got from Trenzhadas. Its based off of Sully from Monster's Inc!

Hope you have a great day!

The Park Again!

I know there is a limited amount of time before the cold weather (and dark evenings) sets in, so I have been trying to squeeze as much time at the park as possible!

This time at James Madison Park, there were more than just ducks... we also got feed some seagulls and Canadian Geese!

Of all the birds, the geese were definitely my favorite. They seems more intelligent than the others, and they had the coolest "honk" that was soft and low-pitched. I Also, I forgot how incredibly annoying seagulls are. Definitely the rudest bird out there!

These last two shots are my favorite!

What are you doing with the last warm(ish) days of the year? Or maybe you live in a place where the weather is totally different? I'd love to hear about it!

James Madison Park

Lila and I have been driving past this park on our way home from work/preschool for nearly six months now, and we it only recently crossed my mind that it would be a great place to explore and let off some steam before going home!

 James Madison Park is just beautiful. It is huge and perfect for students, couples, families with kids, someone who wants to practice tight rope walking (we saw this!) or someone who wants to take their turtle for a walk (we saw that too!).

  There is something dreamy and whimsical about sailboats and I just love them! Riding in one isn't my favorite thing, but I blame that on my Dad who likes to push the limits of a boat when he sails.

Lila loved to climb on this life guard chair. There was an actual playground too, but that wasn't nearly as fun.

  Until this summer, I never realized how much I absolutely love ducks. They are so cute and unique and sweet animals. I love how nearly tame they are, especially around Lila- they come close enough to grab the bread out of her hand but not close enough for her to touch them, and it just makes her squeal with delight!

 Seagulls on the other hand - well... they are pretty from afar!

 Two lonely sand castles we found just waiting...

 For Lila!

 Can anyone guess what this column-shaped building is on the inside? I'll post picture of the inside tomorrow!

 Do you have a favorite park in your area? There are so many in Madison that we have yet to explore! But this one is definitely high on our list!

Things Making Me Smile # 4: Newport, RI

Happy Monday everyone! Today I am sharing some photos of my trip to Newport, RI from this summer.

Have you noticed that I love to take bottom-half pictures? Yeah, I noticed too. Guess its my version of the selfie!

There is just something charming about this little shop window. Cluttered and busy it may be, but we don't see stuff like this in Madison and I felt the need to photograph it.

 Leave it to me to take a picture of the random cute kitty hanging out with us in the street!

The Newport Bridge!

I took a picture of this menu because here in Wisconsin, we don't use the word rotary. We call them round-a-bouts. But I still use the word "rotary" because I got used to using it when I lived in RI for a summer. After that they started popping up all over the Midwest and now people look at me funny when I say "rotary."

Isn't this cute!? It just looks like this family of geese are walking through the gates of their home...

Just precious.

Every summer growing up we would take a trip to Newport, RI. My Dad grew up here so we have lots of family around. I also lived here the summer between my Freshman and Sophomore year of college when I got a chance to develop really close relationships with some family members. I am very thankful for that time because although they are far away, they are a big part of who I am now!
I hope that Lila will feel the same way about this side of the family when she is older.
We also lucked out in that Newport is a beautiful city with lots of lovely beaches, old houses, cute shops, and historical mansions to explore!