Team Daddy Storms the Park at Norma(vo)ndy

This morning, Kian woke us around 6AM, much to our chagrin - particularly Laura's, as she'd planned to sleep in a bit and let me handle the boys first thing. As usual, Kian would accept no substitutes to mommy's arms, so we both got out of bed. After a morning breakfast, I could see that Laura was really worn down, and needed to get back to sleep for a bit. After we'd eaten, I proposed to the boys that we, "go check out a new park and play, maybe even take a walk and explore some woods and trails."

Surprisingly, this was a well-received suggestion, so Team Daddy packed up some gear, some water and some snacks, and we headed over to Avon-Washington Township Community Park. The playground was recently overhauled, and I knew they had some decent trails we could walk, should the boys exhaust themselves on the new equipment. Turned out, we had no need to explore the trail system, as we blew through 2 hours invading and conquering the nice-sized playground area. Here are some pictures documenting our morning adventure...

We love the smell of recycled-tire mulch in the morning!

Our fearless commandos begin their assault by scaling the formidable rock wall barracading the grounds from outsiders!

SUCCESS! First obstacle cleared, Captain!

We will take no prisoners, and we will leave no jungle-gym unscathed!

Corporal Jackson, preparing his ascent to the command center. We wished him luck as he penetrated the enemy's enclave...

Crucial to any successful invasion is the commandeering of the enemy's livestock and pack animals. Our forces quickly gained the upper-hand with these hearty creatures.

Field Seargent Kian rejoicing over his mastery of the ever-elusive and powerful Cement Tortoise. Well done, soldier!

Sabotaging our foes' defense grid. This will prove to be a key maneuver in aiding our progress through their bunker!

The Field Seargent's lone weakness: being mesmerized by shiny circles. Advance, Seargent, before the enemy recuperates! THAT'S AN ORDER!

Corporal Jackson, proceeding with the mission statement, and overtaking a vital air command vehicle. Excellent work!

"OK, Captain...I'll make my descent down the orange evacuation tube, to ensure I neutralize any of the enemy's escapees!"

"FS Kian to Corp. Jackson, do you read, over? Rendezvous at the escape tube, I need back-up!"

"COPY THAT, SARGE! At the escape tube in T-minus 2 minutes."

"2 minutes, 15 seconds...DAMMIT, where is the Corporal!?!?!?"

"Rendezvous complete, Captain! I was side-tracked by a biological need! We're making our way down the evac tube, ASAP!"

"Ah ha...I LOVE it when a plan comes together!"

"These evac tubes do little for my complexion..."

"Jackson! I need you to shimmy yer narrow behind up this rope thing-a-majig and give me a report on our progress from the top of this apparatus. Survey the damage to-date, and let me know of any remaining hot spots!"

"Yes sir! Survey outpost scaled, the enemy is in full retreat!"

"By Jove, he's right...the front is finally quiet...maybe TOO quiet."

MISSION COMPLETE! The bridge is ours!

"Well done, men, well done. Time for a well-earned bit of field R&R. Fruit snacks and water for everyone! HUZZAH!!!"

Celebratory swinging and gravity-defiance commences in the wake of Team Daddy's complete and utter victory. Savor it boys, for wins this sweet come all-too-rarely.

That's right...we do, in fact, rule.

(K)