Do't let us bug you!

Glorious days have been few and far between, so we seize the opportunity to enjoy one when it comes along. After a fun morning at Lyman Woods learning about creatures in and around the water (and, um, mud), we headed to the Morton Arboretum for lunch with Grandma and Grandpa -- and to check out the Big Bugs that are visiting this spring.
Will was on the lookout for tadpoles. You would not believe the size of the few we saw, which will grow into bullfrogs. Speaking of huge, do you see the ant lurking in the upper right of this photo?
Will also tried his best to conquer his (genetic) fear of heights, and did a fantastic job navigating a ropes course among the trees.
Despite a less-than-100-percent Ellie (who I suspect is teething again), the kids were sweet siblings. Will led Ellie by the hand as they ran all over the Children's Garden. Happily, they stopped among the redbud trees (see the lovely purple blossoms?) so I could capture them holding hands. Where did my babies go?
Did I mention Big Bugs? Yikes -- it's a good thing praying mantises are friendly!