A Night in the Park

I know I always write too much, so I will try to keeps this short. For family fun, the kids and I often cruise a few blocks over to Bidwell Park, the second largest city park in the U.S. after New York's Central Park. Cool huh? Just a perfectly good reason for you all to move to Chico because it's the greatest place on earth. Ok.. maybe we just want more of you to live closer...
So anyway, we often travel by wagon or when mom is in need of exercise, we take the jogging stroller. Pushing 2 kids while running definitely does the trick. Then, because I'm usually too exhausted to make the trip home in this fashion, we hang out at the playground until dad gets off work and can pick us up. It is usually dark and cold by then, but Rocky doesn't tire unless we are the last ones left. The playground is all about socializing for him. He is more interested in acquainting himself with all children and parents present than actually playing. He sticks to the sandbox, which is extremely difficult with Jack, who has to be moving and thinks sand is delicious. Playground equipment like slides, steps and bridges are still too scary for the Rock.
The swing is the only place where Rocky's courage soars. He can't get high enough and giggles every time we do the "under dog." Swinging is a little too boring for Jack, who would prefer to throw himself against concrete slabs and growl at the children.


Side note: To Rocky's credit, he can swing by himself in the big kid one, but when this pic was taken, only the baby swing was available. Apparently there are other cold-acclimated families that brave the park at night.