We had a mini vacation yesterday

Yesterday, I said come on lets go on a vacation, grab a coat and umbrella.  Out the door and into the car we went with no idea where we would travel. Heading down Multnomah blvd. I asked the big question, "where do you want to go?" no hurry, its still two miles before I have to turn or get on the freeway.  While we discussed possibilities I was thinking of all the mud we may find on some of our favorite hiking trails. Without asking again I guided us to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in Portland, a place we have enjoyed many outings with and without children. What luck, I forgot that they had free admission days, we  arrived on Wednesday, one of the free ones. Walking down the tidy well kept  manicured trails we pointed out to each other changes we noticed.  We tried to walk all the trails, the new bridge is looking old now, some rot is showing on the carved posts.  Many birds, squirrels and nutrias are just as we left them last time, except they are the offspring of generations that have lived in the park. The ducks and geese still walk and foul the trails, making us go around them and their messes.  Nutria keep back five feet.  The squirrels approach to within touching distance wanting a handout, but retreat as soon as they determine our hands are empty. Its spring and a good time to visit, the rhodies are mostly blooming, some are now way over twenty feet tall, and big enough to build a tree fort. We pop open the umbrellas as needed and then close them as fast. None of the ducks have ducklings yet so we look in the bushes for nests with eggs, no luck they are too will hidden. After circling back to the entrance we back track and pick up a new loop we missed, the new rock and masonry work is spectacular. Back in the parking lot its 1pm so we discuss what restaurant to go to, nothing sounds outstanding so we go home for sandwiches.  When kids start coming home someone says what did you do today? Oh were just back from vacation, hows your day?