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A day in the Tulsa Parks

Because the trip to Tulsa was such a long drive with the girls in the truck, it was important to us to have a few days to spend in Tulsa.  The last thing I wanted to do was pack up the girls for a 8-9 hour drive up there, go to Mema's funeral and then just turn around and head home.  The extra day or so before and after the funeral gave us a chance to drive around, see some of the old haunts and also take in a beautiful spring day in the parks of Tulsa.  Tulsa really is a pretty city, and I have great memories from growing up in Tulsa, particularly parks like Woodward and La Fortune. 

Woodward Park is a beautiful park full of seasonal gardens.  This park is almost always packed with people getting their wedding, engagement, senior or prom portraits done.  Its a little bit early in the spring there, but we did get some nice pictures of the dogwoods, azaleas and tulips in bloom.  This park is definitely a city treasure, a crown jewel for the Parks and Recreation department. 

La Fortune Park is another awesome Tulsa park.  This park isn't as beautifully landscaped as Woodward, but it more than makes up for it with its all out play space.  There are tons of playscapes, a pool, a golf course and a jogging trail that is unrivaled in Tulsa.  Throw in the ball fields and its easy to see why so many families make a use of great spring days by spending it at La Fortune Park.

Another picture that I put in this album is a picture of my Mema and Pa's home in Tulsa for many years, on the corner of 24th and Cincinnati, it really is a gorgeous house.  There are so many great memories at this old home.  One of my favorites was after Mema retired from Amoco, Mema and Pa took a vacation to Hawaii.  It was one of the rare trips where dollies didn't go with them.  When they returned, we had the whole family together at this house.  They had purchased matching Hawaiian shirts and shorts for all the boys and muumuus for all the girls.  We took a group family picture on the circular steps leading to the front door.  The current owners clearly have taken exceptional care of it, maintaining its stately beauty and architectural integrity. 

It was obviously a bittersweet trip to Tulsa.  We were determined to take the opportunity to enjoy renewed relationships with family my girls had never met before, and enjoy some of the best parts of my memories of Tulsa.  It was a great reminder to use the opportunities God gives us and to make sure we find a smile and giggle for each and every tear we shed.  I don't think anyone is ever really ready to let go of their grandmother, but I think she would have been proud of the way we invested our time during the trip.  These are just a few of the pics we took, there are several more if you check out our photo album link from the toolbar at the right.










Comments

Cheryl said…
BEAUTIFUL pictures!! You made my day with the dogwood . . my mom's favorite tree!!!
April 12, 2011 at 1:10 PM
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