The Brown Family: Gilroy Gardens

Mom asked to take the girls and me to Marine World, but I had heard really good things about Gilroy Gardens. We decided to go there instead because we'd never been before. It was a great adventure that we all really enjoyed.

As we walked into the park, Clifford the Big Red Dog was there to greet us. Allison didn't want to take a picture with Emma and me though. She loves Clifford only when he's in a book!

The gardens were beautiful and made for a perfect backdrop for a picture of the girls.

They enjoyed the carousel. The first go-around they would only ride on a horse that didn't move. After that trip, they wanted to go again. This time they were so brave and ventured onto a horse that moved up and down! They're so wild!

Of course, we had to ride the fire truck for Daddy!

We just loved the garlic hats. Emma modeled it and then Mom bought it for me to wear for Crazy Hat Day at school. Oh, I am going to have the best hat around! So fun!

We enjoyed the little boat ride looking at all the beautiful flowers.

The caterpillar was a fun ride too.

Allison enjoyed sitting in the artichokes with Grandma!

The girls were so excited to ride the paddle boats. It was a bit of a wait, but they were very patient. Emma rode with Grandma and I took Allison with me.

Grandma was one crazy driver! She and Emma left first and were all over the pond. Allison and I started after them and we made it back to the start before they did! I must admit, it did take some time to get used to the pedals and how to turn though.

We came prepared to play in the water. My friend, Jen, took Ella and Adrienne, her 4-year-old twins, at the beginning of the summer and told us to pack swim suits because there was a great water play area. Allison loved the water play! It was a bit chilly, but she made friends with a cute little girl and they played together for a bit. I just loved the way the water drops showed up in this photo!

Allison took a while to figure out how to use the water gun, but after that, she loved it!

Emma had fun shooting water across the play yard too.

Grandma said the girls could pick out a gift to take home to remember the trip. First they tried on silly masks. Emma ended up settling on a guitar necklace...yes, I said a necklace! So Emma!Such a great memento from Gilroy Gardens :)