Tercentennial Playground, Groton CT

We love this playground - a variety of climbing playscapes, swings, slides, rubber turf floor, and sand playscape make it a local favorite. It is situated right beside Poquonnock Plains park which has several fields (great for playing ball) and a pebbled track around its circumference.

With our recent run of warm weather, we're finding that it gets pretty busy at noon through 4:30. Here are recent photos that I took early this morning...

When we go the park(s) before school lets out, it has become a habit of mine to scope out children who are Rilla's age, who might be homeschoolers. Funny thing, I think other homeschooling parents have the same habit, too.

One more than 2 occasion, an observing parent has asked Rilla: So, what grade are you in?
Rilla: (looks at me then looks at the parent not really sure what to say)
I jump in: I suppose you can say K/1st Grade. We homeschool (I say apologetically as if they won't understand)
Other Parent: (smiling) We do too! Glad to meet you...
And so begins our conversation of how we started, challenges, rewards, what we've found to work, etc. We are already part of several co-ops and networks, but it continues to be encouraging for me to have these chance encounters. It's like we've each stumbled upon this wonderful secret and delight in sharing our experiences.