Chutes and Ladders

One of my favorite traditions growing up was going to Chutes and Ladders Park in Bloomington.  All though the memory brings feelings of great joy; it seems all I can clearly remember is the great heights of the old, wooden slides. 

This was our second time going to the park and this time we had a little picnic lunch with Grandma first.  I love that about this park.  I love that it is not difficult to find a picnic bench and although there are tons of people there; it doesn't feel like it.  I packed a picnic lunch with Alex's help.  He requested tuna sandwiches, fruit, yogurt and cookies.

After a picnic, we went on a little walk on the trail to explore the park.  We got a little lost when we ended up at a factory, but quickly righted ourselves and found our way to the Taj Mahal of the trip....The park.

The park has done a complete overhaul since I was a kid.  No more wood, but there are levels to the park upon which kids can just keep climbing.  There is a water area.  Toddler area.  Baby area.  Big kid area.  Little kid who is afraid to climb area.  Lots of different things to climb, twirl around on, spin, jump, and explore.  It is fun.  Keeping all that in mind and the idea of buses of kids there, both my mom and I tailed my two boys the entire time.    

After working off a lot of energy at the park, the boys were treated to ice cream.  Alex remembered that last time he got Spiderman here and this time he would like SpongeBob.  (I am surprised he even knows who SpongeBob is since he is not allowed in our house).  

It was a great summer day!