Whatcom Falls Park

For some reason Whatcom Falls Park was the one park I've been wanting to go see again for years, especially since I got my DSLR two years ago.  This summer and our park adventures, finally gave me the push and the OK to go ahead and visit.  Why did I wait so long?  It's a beautiful park with so much diversity, fun for everyone, and yet very peaceful.  We went on Tuesday over lunch time, a break from grocery shopping.

I LOVE summer time picnic lunches in the park on the green grass. 

Brandon eyeing the "toys" knowing he has to eat his lunch before he may go play.

In all our park adventures, Brandon has come away with one idea--it's not a proper playground if there's no wheel for a boat!

The Commander/Captain/Brandon ordered us to sit on this seat on the boat.

Micah is finally grasping the concept that he can scoot around on playgrounds by himself and it's so much more fun.

Brandon is really blossoming as a big brother and wanting to "help" Micah play.  We have to watch out because sometimes that helpfulness isn't so careful and picking Micah up around his neck/head is a frequent occurrence.  "Under the arms, Brandon.  Under the arms."

There are two entrances to the park, one off of Electric Avenue and the other off of Lakeway.  We used the Lakeway entrance and I was quite astounded how many people actually live within what seemed to be the park boundaries.  Maybe the park doesn't start until after those houses and the official signs are on the road so you know where to turn.  Anyway, the lower (Lakeway) parking lot is by the tots playground, fish hatchery, fishing derby pond, and falls.  The upper (Electric) parking lot is by the older kids playground, tennis and basketball courts.

There are picnic tables, restrooms, basketball courts, tennis courts and two playgrounds.

The upper and "older" kids playground was not up to standards--there was no wheel for a boat and Brandon was quite lost for a time.

Talking to me across the playground.  Micah was quite confused.

Brandon can have a real "I can't" attitude some days, but Tuesday was an "I can" attitude day and he really tried some new things on his own he might not have otherwise.

After playing on both playgrounds for a good while, we decided to go for a walk.  The fish hatchery was Brandon's favorite by far!  I didn't dare take him to the fishing derby pond since I had meant to but forgotten to bring his net along.  We'll have to go back so he can go "fishing".

Brandon was quite fascinated with the different sizes of fish.

Salmon seemed to be what there was the most of, but there may have been different kinds in the smaller tanks.

 Then we walked across the famous stone bridge.  I know people on both sides of this bridge--those that say it's old, not clean, and ugly, and those that say it's old, has lots of character, and is beautiful.  I happen to be one of the people who believes it is beautiful and full of character.

The paths were nicely maintained so it was relatively easy to push Micah's stroller along them.

 And I finally had a chance to join the millions of photographers who have shot the Whatcom Falls in all their glory.  Pretty sure there isn't an angle of these falls that hasn't been shot before.

There are smaller falls and shallower areas that people were beginning to swim in while we were there, as the sun slowly started burning through the cloud cover.

Brandon found some fun detour paths to climb.

He went up...

so he could find a stick and come back down again.

It struck me how incredibly small he is compared to the magnificently huge trees there.

And then it was time to go back across the bridge to see the fish one more time before moving on with our day.

We had a delightful couple of hours just enjoying being outside and playing together.  This is one park we'll definitely be back to someday, hopefully sooner then six years down the road.

Blessings on your weekend.