The Duck Pond

This past Saturday was gorgeous! So what else is a family with a kid supposed to do but go to the park. So, we went to the park. We go to one that is right alongside Beltway 8. Another wonderful reminder of our lovely cement city. But I have to say the city did good on this one, even if it is right by a tollway. The park has a huge outer circle to walk on and an inner circle to piddle around. They have a big play area, a tai chi cement circle, an exercise equipment area, and the beloved duck pond. We brought a blanket and sat in the shade of a very small tree. The wind was really strong this day so it was a task to keep everything grounded. In the middle of the pond is an island where about 50 turtles were basking in the sun. On the grassy part there was a number of ducks sleeping. Most of the ducks were paired off and swimming (or pushed by the wind) around. There was one REALLY huge goose, who I guess was either lost or King of the pond. A fountain rounded off this quaint scenery. What was hilarious was the goose was washing himself in the fountain and then the fountain shut off. He still hung around and was poking the pipe with his beak trying to get the glorious water to come back. There was even a crouchity old duck on the island who, ever once in a while, would become agitated and quack someone off the island. We brought bread, of course, and procedded to feed. The funny thing was, these ducks were too full to eat anymore. Every once in a while, one would nibble or the goose would eat, but for the most part, the crows would fly down from the trees and feast. This was not the best part of the duck pond.

Elias was. He stood almost the entire time, yelling and squealling with delight. It was hilarious! Our son came out of his perverbial shell and ever since the pond has been loud. A huge change if you know our son and are around him. At home he has had moments of grunting and just hamming it up and anytime we go outside, he proceeds to shout for joy. Yeah for ducks! BTW, the same day he learned how to clap and he got his first tooth (top left).