Rhododendron Garden

It's a good thing we finally had a nice day here because I was running out of things to keep both Flora and myself entertained indoors.  Today we enjoyed the sun at the Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in Southeast.  It's a great place to go with kids.  It's relatively flat so the little ones can run and there are beautiful flowers, bridges, ponds, fountains and ducks to keep them interested and asking questions.  The best part is that it's free on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Just don't plan on having a picnic in the field.  It's covered in goose poop.  There are plenty of benches if you want to sit down and have a snack.

We went to the garden with my friend Angie and her son Nico, who is a little younger than Flora.  They are  good buddies and very cute together.

Flora Runs Circles around Nico from Ellie Saldana on Vimeo.

Nico was tired today and slept through the first part of our visit so Flora checked out the waterfall by herself.

Then she watched the ducks.  There were lots of ducklings today and that was exciting but you could tell that Flora wanted her friend to wakeup.

Nico did eventually wake up but he remained drowsy for a while.  Flora on the other hand, had plenty of energy.  She decided to run some laps.

Being spring, there were plenty of babies.  The goslings were fun to watch but we were careful to keep our distance for fear of making mama goose mad!

Did I mention the geese aren't the only one's having babies?  Nico is going to have a baby brother soon!

Flora was too busy having fun to hang out with me but I did snag her for one picture.

Flora and Nico have an interesting dynamic.  Nico constantly wants Flora to chase him and trow balls.  Flora on the other hand, wants to hold Nico's hand, put her arm around him and exchange small gifts.  It's really funny to watch.  I guess that's the difference between boys and girls.  Despite their differences they are crazy about one another.  Flora talks about Nico when he's not around and Nico's face lights up every time he sees her.  Here is Flora attempting to put her arm around Nico.  He is not interested.  My favorite part is right after Nico makes his escape and, Flora crosses her little arms and makes her mad face.  So funny!  The anger didn't last long, they chased each other a little right after this. 

Do you think the differences in how Flora and Nico want to play should be attributed to gender or individual personality?