The Botanic Gardens

The weather has been either far too hot or too unpredictable for outdoor activities. Sophie is not always in good shape for strenuous activities anyway. Today, we decided to adopt the "Just Do It' attitude and take her to the Botanic Gardens. It was a tough but rewarding trip because Sophie got to experience nature and we could all spent some time exercising as a family.



At the entrance, we were greeted by many hungry pigeons and Sophie was definitely not very comfortable with the sight although she must have been equally fascinated by it.

No matter how many stories about spiders I read to Sophie or pictures of spiders I show her, I cannot be more effective than a live spider in its web, just above s trickling brook. It took a while for her to actually spy it, but when she did, she was very thrilled.



It was great to see Sophie's enthusiasm and curiosity in each and every thing she encounters. She could be fascinated by something as "trival" as shadows. I guess we were like that once, but we must have forgotten all about it.

I am really not a very outdoor sort of person, so I get a little squirmish whenever I encounter insects of dirt etc. However, Papa was quite impressed that I would take pains to show Sophie everything along the way. I made sure she took notice and tired my best to name whatever we saw.



Sophie would occasionally get obsessed with stairs and she simply had to climb up and down. It took us quite a bit of effort to coax her back on track without grabbing and dragging her.



Sometimes, we compromised and let Sophie choose her own path to take. Although I was not completely comfortable with that, I think it is good to let her have her way at times. It would help her build some confidence in making decisions and nurture her inquisitive mind.



Fortunately, Papa could still run with Sophie. I was getting really too tired and hot to move any faster. I guess all kids love to run. I let Papa take over as he led us back to the entrance - the longest possible way.

At one point, we were so exhausted that we took shelter at the Band Stand. By then, I had lost my sense of humour.



Sophie was also very tired but she was still active and eager to play some more.

We almost did not want to move out of the shade, but we had to get home soon to be in time for Sophie’s brunch and nap. It did not help when Sophie preferred climbing up and down the stairs, again.



After some serious lecturing about how hot and tired we were and how she ought to try her very best not to aggravate the situation, she tried to appease us with her irresistible “cuteness”.



Soon, even Sophie was too tired. Papa had to use his last bit of energy to carry her back to the car. It was amazing we made it back in one piece, considering that we are all in bad shape physically.