Picnic at the Park

Hal's favorite place? The park. Duh.

My favorite place? Hal's favorite place. 

What makes the park even better? SPECIAL FRIENDS!!!!

I had plans to take a trip to Edmond on Saturday for a friend's baby shower and made plans with my friend Ashley and her little girl Jaley for a picnic and playtime at Mitch Park. It seemed like the perfect plan considering Hallie would be more than ready to get out of the car and burn some energy by the time we made the three hour trip to Edmond. And ready she was! Both of the girls were wide awake and happy, happy, happy!!! Did I mention that Hallie was happy?? I told Ashley that she must be in the presence of God because we were both witnessing a miracle.....no nap and no fits??? It couldn't be true. ;)

The four of us found the perfect spot in the middle of some trees and laid out our blankets and food. Ashley had picked up Panera on her way which meant Hal and I would get to enjoy one of our favorites...mac & cheese! Miss Jaley sat contently in her stroller munching on her toy and eyeing our food on the ground. 

The weather was just perfect. A tad on the humid side but not bad at all. The sun was playing peek-a-boo with us but it was mostly gray skies. Perfect playing weather! The two bow-loving divas got acquainted while we ate...

Hal was sporting her new outfit from Nanny. Baby couture....I'M IN LOVE!!!!

Sweet girl was just dying to run up the hill to the playarea. The mac and cheese was about the only reason she hadn't gone MIA at that point. I was still in awe of her patience and willingness to eat with us girls and wait to play. Faith restored. ;) She finally got her wish and we headed up the hill for Jaley's first ride in a swing....

She LOVED it!!! How incredibly cute is this sweet baby girl.....

And I can't forget her beautiful momma who just happens to be a very big blessing to me....

I have a feeling that Hal liked the new scenery of a new park....

"Good idea mom. I was getting tired of the same ol', same ol'."

Miss Jaley Kay was taking in all she could during her first trip to the park....

Riding the baby dino

We decided to take a lil stroll so that we could chat without having to chase speedy Hal around the playground. I think Jaley was pleased with our walking idea because this is what she had in mind...

How sweet is what???

It was so nice to be able to catch up while the girls rode quietly in their strollers. Ash and I joked about being the moms at the park with our huge cameras around our necks. I believe it's the same principle as "the bigger the bow, the better the momma!"......"the bigger the camera, the better the momma!" Isn't that the saying?? ;) Of course we couldn't let the munchkins off the hook before we plopped them down beside eachother for a friend pic. It went sort of how we thought it might. At first they both sat and looked at the ground. Then Jaley reached for Hal's leg and she responded with her usual "NO! MINE!" Not sure what she thought Jaley was going to take by reaching for her. Her leg? Two year olds are so so strange. ;) This picture makes me laugh....

"NO!"

"Ok, I'm outta here!"

Both girls had a swingin' good time.....

She was in heaven with having two whole hours at the park.....

The clock was telling me that it was time to go. I really could've stayed all day long. Being with Ashley reminds me of being a kid again....young and carefree having only to worry about what we were going to wear to our next Friday night dance. Our friendship is like a breath of fresh air....I wish we could see eachother more often. But I will take what I can get! We packed up our stuff. Gave goodbye hugs. And headed out. Because this girl was played out.

We made our way into town to pick up a baby shower gift. Hal rode in her stroller through ToyRus half asleep and delirious. We had about a thirty minute drive to the shower and Hal took about a five minute power nap. We had a great time at the shower. Gassed up the car and headed for home. 

I took my figurative pair of scissors and cut out all of the driving time (6 hours...holy moly!!).....what I was left with was the perfect picture of a beautiful day!!!