New Footbridge

Salem has had an unused train bridge across the Willamette River for years. Last year, a fund was created to pay for alterations to the bridge to make it a walking/bike path. It is finally open. It is wonderful! We only drive about a mile from home to get to the start of the new bridge. We can walk across the river and over to the children's museum and the fun park with the carousel and big globe that I've posted pictures of before.

The soccer field where Keaton practices is just at the start of the new bridge, so Sullivan and I went to practice last Saturday with the intention of checking out the new bridge while Mike & Keats were in soccer. We walked up the starting path and when we got to the top, the bridge was barricaded off and a police officer was standing guard. The bridge was closed! But...we were told that it was only closed for a grand-opening parade, and that if we waited a while the parade would pass right by us. So we waited. There was a military marching band, followed by city leaders and regular people riding bikes, walking, some dressed in costumes, some teens were riding skateboards. Sully loved having the band walk right past him!

Sully was given a HUGE cookie while we waited for the parade. The crumbs are evidence of his treat.

Someone from the children's museum handed out mini packs of bubbles during the parade. Sullivan promptly spilled them all over his bottom!

The start of the parade.

Today is just a gorgeous day in the Pacific Northwest. Absolutely perfect weather. I got us packed up and out of the house by 9:30 and the boys and I headed to the new bridge again. Keaton wasn't able to cross it on Saturday so he was looking forward to it today. Keats took his scooter (which is much too small already!!) and I took the stroller for Sully. They both alternated walking & riding & sitting while we walked about two miles or so. Tonight I am hoping to make the walk again, this time with a pedometer so I know how far our new walk is. :o)

Here is Keats on his scooter, zooming across the bridge.

Sully insisted on carrying the lunch bag.