We went to the park in Winterset; it is a really nice park, a ton of mature trees, spread out, we always have a good time there.
we did the playground, the covered bridge, the stone bridge, the maze and stone tower (photo here) , they are listed to look like they are at different parks, but they in one large area and you walk between them (not the stone tower, it in the same park, but a 3 mile drive on gravel, so that we did drive). We packed a cooler, a big bag of treats, a blanket and set off for the day. The kids did the maze over and over again, ran hard and got hot. Many snacks and drinks were consumed, and a lot of good easy childhood fun was had. At the tower all five of the kids had a blast playing Princess Guard and chasing the bad guy, exploring, and they even tolerated poses for photos.
It was a milestone day for my boys – the first time EVER they got to stop the ice cream truck and get a treat. It was a mistake; sadly, as Big Brother had an allergic reaction to a treat I knew he should not have; and his mood really suffered that day and the next too, but not as much as it could have. BUT, there was nothing better for him there, and I just did not have the heart to tell him he alone could not get something. I almost just said NO to stopping the truck, and should have, but all five kids were looking at me and the other three (not mine) have gotten treats from the Ice Cream Man before and thus got happy and excited when we heard him coming though the park). Next time I’ll just have to be the mean momma that I am and tell them NO. All five kids really enjoyed their treat, and my boys thought it was great to get to stop the truck and choose something. We’ve done it once, they had their Milestone, from now on I’ll just have to say NO (like I kinda knew I should this time, but gave in to my own heart as well as the kids). I get tired of being the Mean Momma, but it is necessary, and no one ever said being a Momma meant all fun and easy choices.







Coolest part, we were able to get a couple of good photos of all five kids. Trust me, if you saw the 100 plus bad photos I have of all five kids you’d understand the significance of this. All summer (our trip there, this trip they made here) I have been working on this task, at zoos and parks and Bass Pro and at both houses; finally!