Around 200 babies and toddlers and preschoolers and kindergarteners and parents and Eden Prairie Montessori staff gathered at Round Lake Park on June 11th from 4 until 7 o'clock. Their goal? Picnicking. Their luck? Mixed. Late afternoon rain drove lovers of dryness to the protective non-confines of the pavilion, but relented in time to allow copious evening frolicking.
Hot dogs. Hamburgers. Veggie burgers. Six whole watermelons. None were safe from the merrymakers, who potlucked like the gods of Olympus.
Round Lake Park is a place where kids go bazooey. They performed acrobatic feats on playground equipment, learned the true meaning of soakedness at the splashpad, and chased each other slippingly across damp grass. One colossal playdate for everyone attending either location of Eden Prairie’s lovingest day care.
“Hosting our annual picnic is always a joy,” said Shonali Harrison, director. “The parents seem happy to skip a night of cooking. The children make no secret of the delight they find in each other’s company. And seeing our current students’ older siblings, who we may not have seen for so many years? Oh my gosh. My babies are all growing up!”
Eden Prairie Montessori has two convenient locations at 7455 Market Place Drive and 8098 Glen Lane. You may learn more about their infant, toddler, preschool, kindergarten and summer programs at EdenPrairieMontessori.com, as well as schedule a tour of either school with Shonali at your side.