I just have to share our experience at the Munsinger Clemens Botanical Gardens today.  We started the week out at 103 degrees, today is a nippy 50, and the splash pad just wasn't going to work.  Based on a friendly suggestion, we threw on our wind jackets and went in search of these beautiful grounds.

I'll just roll the pictures since words won't do.  I really feel like we stumbled upon a private oasis where surely we'll become regulars.

First rule of becoming an explorer . . . find a GREAT stick.

Axel must have "taken a rest" on every memorial bench.  Sweet.

 . . . and then we found the upper gardens.  Although I begged, he simply wasn't going to turn around for the camera.  One word . . . FOUNTAINS!

Constant AWE!

Missing a photo opportunity with this duck . . .

 . . . I convinced him that a more subtle approach to duck photography is best (notice the mallard in the background).

Unbelievable.