A beautiful birthday

As a birthday treat, Grandma and Grandpa joined us for lunch at the Arboretum for Ellie's favorite (chicken nuggets with ranch and fries). But the best part was venturing into the Children's Garden on a perfect day.
It felt like summer, but signs of the beginning of autumn were visible, too.
Ellie and Grandpa spied a grasshopper, which Grandpa skillfully caught. Good thing they don't grow 'em like they do in Florida! Elle welcomed it—guardedly—before we let it hop into the grass.
Daddy helped Elle walk along the rocks in the wading pond... without going for a birthday swim.
And Grandpa chaperoned her over the tree house bridge.
What can beat an afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa?
...maybe an afternoon with Grandma and Grandpa at the beach in March? ;)