Love Ya Lions!

The day after my awesome reunion was Daddy's birthday and we planned on a FUN day in State College and on campus! We started our adventure off at The Arboretum at Penn State. The Arboretum was opened about three years ago on the north end of campus and it's my new favorites spot on campus. Gorgeous and peaceful. And great for kids with lots of energy.

Daddy got some nice pictures of plants. Starting with these awesome gourds growing over a metal arch. There must have been a dozen hanging down. At least. Colin kept calling them big pears.




And the water lilies were just lovely this visit.




I will say, Gillian was quite a piece of work most of the day. She was obviously very tired from the day before. She didn't have major screaming breakdowns, but she consistently went right when the rest of us went left. ALL DAY LONG. Finally we threatened to throw her in the car and GO HOME. WITH NO ICE CREAM. That worked just enough to make the rest of the day bearable. Just.

Next up. LION! Colin had been desperate to visit the Lion since we had left our house on Saturday morning. He kept telling us he'd sit UP ON TOP. Yeah, once we got there, he realized how tall the Lion is and told us no WAY. He did stand next to him though.




Then we had some Lion fun.





G, on the other hand, loved it up on top of the fellow!

I have a feeling she's going to rule that campus someday.

Then we headed down campus to check out Old Main and head toward town for lunch. Playing chase with Daddy was first up....with ubiquitous construction in the background.


We heard the bells chime and checked out the elm (and squirrels).



Little Man on Campus.


Some love for the birthday boy too!


We picked up some t-shirts for the kiddos at Family Clothesline and made some mental birthday lists at the local toy store. Then it was time for lunch. Daddy picked The Corner Room (of course). And we lucked into a window booth!


Colin discovered a fun game of grinning and waving at everyone walking past and keeping score of if they waved back. He got the most waves out of lovely, young ladies. Of course.

To wind down our day we made a quick stop at The Creamery. That is some seriously good ice cream. And HUGE portions. So we made the kids share. It only took a few tears on BOTH kids' parts to settle on strawberry with sprinkles. Good grief.

Blue and white sprinkles. Obviously.





Ok, I admit it, I stole some. Although Daddy and I had shared a yummy chocolate flavor too.



Ok, and another one...


We had such a fun weekend. The visit may have been a little bittersweet, given the events of the year, but State College and Penn State will always feel like home.