Slow Saturdays

We have now reached the time of year where the snow in the mountains is getting crummy, the hiking trails are still mainly covered in snow and the weather in general has been a strange mix of rain, wind, hail, sunshine, and clouds on repeat. Lately, it has been hard to know exactly what to do on Saturdays because the weather has been difficult to count on.

Rather than give in to the rain and just stay home we ventured out for a day at Volunteer Park complete with plenty of muddy puddles, flowers galore, time at the playground and delicious tasting food. If you have never been to Volunteer Park Cafe it is one of our favorites. We have never been for dinner, but if it is anything like their food at lunch time then it is a must try. 

Whenever we visit the Volunteer Park Conservatory there is always something new in bloom. This Jade Vine for instance is something I have never seen in person before. It is such a unique color, almost like the patina of copper. 

I had been itching to wear my new suede shoes. Rather than ruin them in the rain I wore them around the Conservatory for the afternoon. 

I would love to have such an extensive collection of air plants. I have a growing collection at home, but they are nothing like the massive ones I have seen here. 

A little bit of desert with flowering cacti.  

Whenever it is gray and rainy outside the Volunteer Park Conservatory is the perfect place to come for an infusion of color. I don't know the names of all these plants, but these hydrangeas and ferns stole my heart. 

After the Conservatory we headed to Volunteer Park Cafe for lunch. Jasper is always a fan of eating most of the bread of my sandwich along with the majority of a pastry.  I will never tire of those sneaky hands or his general love for good food. Jasper is really the best combination of Cameron and I. Cameron's good looks combined with my independence and spirit of adventure! As far as where he got those dreamy hazel eyes, the jury is still out. 

I often think about what kind of environment I want to create for my children. As a result, I try to always remember to pack my boots and wear clothing I do not mind getting dirty. I never want to sacrifice fun and memories because I am being paranoid about ruining my clothes. That being said I have ruined so many pairs of jeans since having Jasper it is a good thing ripped knees are still trendy.