Summer in the City

Saturday we took the kids to Lakeshore Learning store for free craft time and I made a lengthy wish list for the coming school year. I also know where we'll be doing our Christmas shopping this year! After lunch we drive through the suburb of Matthews. I've heard a lot about Matthews and it was nice, but not worth the commute for Aaron. Next I asked Aaron to drive me through the Dilworth Neighborhood. I had heard on city data boards that this was where the cool old homes were. So True! These streets are not only shaded with huge trees that arch over the roads, but each and every house is an amazing piece of architecture. Mostly art and crafts bungalows from the 30s, but a few Quenn Ann and Colonials in the mix. AND...where the homes were so old they needed to be demolished, beautiful new homes are built to blend into the neighborhood. One street was names "Ideal Way".....that's the street for me. LOL

 This park is nestled in the heart of the Dilworht neighborhood along the narrow, but lengthy valley. The splash park isn't huge, but I like that it is fenced.

 The playground is right next to the waterworks, so drip dry time is fun too!

 Leading from the playground are two trails, one paved and one not, connected at intervals by bridges. Levi though he was big stuff to walk along his own path and join us later down the trail. Of course, we're only talking a distance of less than 30ft., but when you are three  and in the woods its like being Robin Hood. :)

 See, isn't' this neighborhood quaint?!

 By early evening we were in Uptown waiting for the free concert to begin. First though we needed bug repellent and so we walked all over downtown, getting lost a couple times, trying to find a CVS. No complaints though, we got to see this street show of Prof. ???'s Living Doll. Rebecca was quite puzzled as to whether it was a doll or a human.

 Making a mental note to bring the kids down in the fall for a carriage ride!

 Isaiah liked being toted around on me in the Babyhawk. I haven't worn him much as he is over 25 pounds now, but I'm sure it added calorie burning power to my walk. It also freed up the stroller for Levi, whose legs were tired by this time.

We got back to the park around 5:30 and spread our blanket on the green. Waiting for the sun to go down and the orchestra to begin.

 They played quite a nice concert, the first free one in 12 years.

 Got to keep hydrated.

 By the time the sun went down the grass wasn't visible, the turnout was huge and it was fun to see lots of families and even babies.

Mellow Mushroom bordered the park to one side so we ordered a Gluten Free Pizza...yum, yum!

 Aaron brought this sea salt fudge pop back from the food trucks for me, and it was delicious, but after about two bites Isaiah took possession and he kept moving in a steady circle so that no one would take it from him.

 Snowcone 'stache

 More fountains for kids.

 This park is beautiful!

 Charlotte Philharmonic