4th of July at Lewis Ginter

This morning we took advantage of free admission on the 4th to visit Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.  This was our third time in the last four years making this our special 4th of July outing.  We always enjoy our visits.  Here are some highlights and a little retrospective on our previous visits ... there's a theme!

 We arrived shortly after opening to get into the very popular butterfly exhibit before the lines got too long (wise move, as we saw later).  This "oriole" butterfly (not its real name, but it sure looks like an oriole) tried to hitch a ride to freedom on Brennan's hat!

 The rose garden is always a highlight.  The heat had done a number on many of them this year, but there were still quite a few exemplary specimens.

 

With temps in the mid-90s the water play area was very popular.  Unlike last year, Owen was pretty tentative about getting in and frolicking.

 The ubiquitous kids-in-a-tree shot!  What can I say?  I am a creature of habit, and I love boys in trees!

 Momma and Brennan.

 Big man!

 Very tempting to climb into the fountain.  The kids had a water play area -- what about us adults?

 The boys on the butterfly bench, 2012.

 The boys on the butterfly bench, 2011.

  The boy on the butterfly bench, 2009 (B.O. -- before Owen).