With a single hour to spare, the girls and I strapped on our rollerblades and went for a quick trail ride around Deering Oaks Park yesterday.

I made sure we had our rollerblades and safety gear but failed to notice G. had worn a skirt when we got in the car yesterday to head to Portland. But, she said rollerblading in a long skirt was, "no big deal." She did manage just fine although reported that the knee pads weren't so comfortable on her bare skin. It turned out that the hardest part for all of us was dodging all the twigs and leaves on the ground. I guess the fall is a tricky time of year to enjoy this sport.

We had to check out the water fountain now that it is up and running again. Everytime we drove past Deering Oaks this past year the girls had to watch the progress of the fountain work and see if the duck house was returned. They continue to be saddened that it has not.

And even though we live in a rural area and see deer, wild turkeys and other wildlife in our own backyard, the kids still get a thrill from the squirrels in the park.

Of course the girls always want to feed them but it's a little tricky. Seagulls move quickly when they spot a stray piece of cookie being tossed to their furry counterparts.

"Where did those seagulls come from Mommy? They are so fast!"