A Trip to the Zoo

Rob agreed to post the pictures if I took the time to write about the trip to the zoo. It was a a random happening. Earlier in the week we had thrown around the idea of going down to the beach and the aquarium. We mentioned it to the kids who were super-excited, but told them that it was on the condition that they go right to bed. Two hours later (and this is not an exaggeration or hyperbole) we announced that the beach trip was officially off.

Still it was supposed to be in the 60s, and probably the last clear and warm day of the year. I mean come on it is November. Time for cold dreary weather. So Rob really wanted to do something and late on Friday we agreed to go to the zoo. We told the kids in the morning when they woke us up at 7:00. But the deal was they had to let us sleep for another hour. They willingly obliged.

We ended up waking up to the power going out. The back up batteries for our computer begin to beep. This caused both of us to jump up in alarm. Miraculously we both managed to get a warm shower before we headed out to the zoo.

It was a fun trip, although as soon as we got on the highway, Beth asked how much longer. Rob and I had an interesting discussion, while the kids slept on the way there. We headed to the Africa section first and we ended up seeing most of the animals. Beth climbed on every rock and statue and posed for the camera. Of course her little brothers followed suit. The animals were out and it was a lot of fun. There was a new baby baboon that all the kids absolutely adored. Beth also twisted her ankle and had to be carried for a bit, but she recovered nicely.

Then we headed over to the America side. It was a long walk, which we usually avoid but they had two new installations. One was a honey bee garden. The place was rife with bees and hornets. I was distinctly uncomfortable, even though I have pretty much mastered my extreme bee phobia. And then there was a fountain that was designed to look like geysers. It made me want to take the kids to Yellowstone. But we'd have to get a leash for the boys. They are both prone to run away right now. Rob and I honeymooned there, and it is a beautiful place. Rob fell in love with it, like I did on my first visit when I was ten.

Finally we went to see the otters. The animal of the day. They were cute and then we headed to the park. Caleb was doing some awesome hanging and swinging tricks when he landed funny. It was a bad enough fall that we worried about the possibility of a broken arm. Of course Caleb rallied, though we are still keeping an eye on it. Cotton candy on the way out and we were headed home.

This week has been busy. Beth did well on her report card, and Caleb seems very happy with school and life in general. We managed to get all of the kids to a park, and the house is pretty clean. Having fewer toys seems to help the kids, and they are still playing. Hope that your week was good as well!

PS Happy Birthday Mom!