Family Fun Day

It was a glorious morning. The sun was shining. There was a light breeze. Perfect for a family fun day.

It only took us 4 hours to get out the door, which is not bad for a Sanborn. My family motto is:

We are Sanborns. We will be delayed.

Our final destination was Whispering Pines Park, Inverness, FL. This place has it all: a public pool, playgrounds, a water playground, walking tracks and much more. I had seen photos of “Puddle in the Pines” and knew my kids would love this little piece of heaven.

‘Puddle in the Pines’ (photo from www.inverness-fl.gov)

 After lunch in Brooksville (we had planned to have a picnic in the park, but remember – we were ‘delayed’), we started our 40 minute journey north.

By the time we reached the county line we noticed a huge storm cloud directly ahead. Optimistic Mummy was present that day, so she declared, “Oh, it’s just one of those typical Florida storms that rushes through. By the time we arrive at the park, it will be gone.”

She was wrong. This storm was here to stay, and Whispering Pines Park was about 10 miles West of the Epicenter!

The kids were ready to play by the time we arrived at Puddle in the Pines, so despite the rain we piled out of the car, and made a bee line to the Puddle.

As we approached, Pessimistic Mummy made an appearance and said, “Oh, is that it? Gosh, I thought this place was gonna be spectacular!”

Miss Five immediately put Pessimistic Mummy in her place, declaring, “Oh but Mummy, this IS spectacular!”

To our disappointment, the Puddle was closed for repairs.  Samantha and Timmy started to whine, but then Always Optimistic Daddy pointed out the Really Really Spectacular Playground at the bottom of the hill.

So, in the pouring rain, Miss Five and Master Three took off down the hill to their New, Unofficial, Limited Time Only “Puddle In The Pines” Playground. This one definitely was not broken. And it was far better than the Office version.

Those kids were flying down the slides. Riding horses and tigers through mud puddles. Swinging in the Rain. While Mummy and Daddy huddled for ‘cover’ under the slide.

Sadly, Whispering Pines soon became the Epicenter of the storm, and the thunder and lightning could no longer be ignored. The most challenging part of the day was changing two sopping wet kids in the back seat of the car.

We drove south. At the county line the sun burst though the clouds and the sky was blue again. We finished our Family Fun Day at Tom Varn Park, which my kids fondly call “The Pirate Park.”

It was a Perfect Day.