This morning we are headed to a Park Day with our homeschool group. We’re going to have a little Valentine exchange for all the kids, a picnic lunch with Valentine Cookies and then attempt to burn off all the sugar on the playground. Park Days are one of the things we like most about our homeschool group – they are every other Friday and we really look forward to them. Kade has met some great friends; it’s so fun to see him interact with the kids, especially the bigger boys. Up until now, he’s been the oldest/biggest kid in our little circle of friends, so it’s been a great opportunity for him to learn how not to always be the boss, how to take direction and still be a part of the team without being the ring leader. These park days certainly seem to answer the all-important ever-present question about SOCIALIZATION. 
This last couple weeks, the kids and I have spent a lot of time trying to find some new parks for our homeschool group. I’ve got to tell you, up until now I never put this much thought into a park. But when trying to pick for a group of families, I needed to take some things into consideration. My critereia:
- A central location – obvious but important nonetheless
- Restrooms – a necessity for moms with small children
- Easy parking – the last thing you want to hunt for after your 3 year old has seen the playground out the window
- A fenced play area or at least a playground set back from the street
- Picnic tables or grassy area close to the playground for quick picnics between slide runs and swing rides
Other pluses are good trails for hiking/biking
a fenced court for kick ball, dodge ball, or running around like wild hooligans
and who doesn’t love some animal friends
We are SO blessed to live in an area with an abundance of great parks. Last Saturday evening, we took Kyle to one of our new favorites. It was so relaxing to get out in the fresh air and just enjoy the outdoors.
Don’t cry, Sweetness! We’ll go back soon.
Happy park hunting to you – hope you find some new favorites too!
