Crazy Cousins

Last Tuesday was a full day for the kids and I. First up - Habitot! We spent a few hours there in the morning. This was the first time Olive really was able to take advantage of any of the fun. As you can see here, she tried out a new form of transportation - a welcome alternative to the pouch.

Next up - watching the firetrucks outside. Some of us prefer to watch the trucks while others prefer to watch the firemen. Regardless, it is always a crowd pleaser. On this particular day there was actually some sort of swat training going on which was exciting. We entertained ourselves watching a bunch of armed men walk around in camo while waiting for Mel and the kids to come out for a visit.

After our guests arrived we headed over to Adventure Playground, conveniently located down the street from our house at the Berkeley Marina. This playground is highly rated, it has even been named one of the Top 10 Playgrounds in the U.S. Although it is geared towards the older set (7 and up) and looks like a bit of a junkyard, we actually found it to be really cool and it was a big hit with the kids.

Pretty much the entire thing is made up or wood structures that have been built/added on to by the kids themselves. You can check out tools when you get there (hammer, nails, etc.) or paint for decoration. Maile had fun with a hammer and nails while the rest of the kids just explored the yard.

Nikos has fun on some of the boats and structures.

Kira checking out one of the tunnels.

Mason on his way to mastering a tight-rope thingy. Yes, that is the technical term.

Maile plays the role of sailor (or to be honest, knowing Maile, it was probably "Baby mitosaur stuck in a sailboat nest" or something like that.)

Somewhere between the time we arrived and these pictures Nikos went from Nikos to Oliver Twist. Not quite sure how it happened.

Here is the cleanest kid in the bunch (mostly because she didn't leave the bjorn.)

And last...we find the crown jewel of the playground (at least for our kids)...the sliding board. It looks unassuming at first, but it really was the bomb and great fun to watch.

It was awesome how much air the kids were getting when they went off of it. Next time we will have to get it on video.

Here are the best air shots from the group.

Mason
Kira

Maile

A great time was had by all and we can't wait to go back. Loving the fact that it is free too!

After we left the playground we met Vernie and Taki at our house for Picante. While the boys watched the game we got some cute cousins shots - here are some outtakes.