We finally took an afternoon off to enjoy this great weather and some wonderful friends. We headed North to meet up with the Tophams (Don and Paul were friends during the 'growing pains' years in Kansas) and celebrate their daughter, Shelby's birthday. Aside from it being little Shelby's birthday--always a reason to celebrate--it is also pretty noteworthy anytime we get together with their family, since it's only twice a year or so!
The guys (of course) promptly scattered out of the scene and headed straight to the golf course. Karin and I mustered up our Mommy courage
and took the four kids to the zoo. It really was a
perfect day to be at the Hogle Zoo. Despite the fact that I think we only actually saw half of the animals there (due to exhibit closures, sleeping in hidden places, simply weren't in their cages, etc.) the kids thought it was the best ever. The new addition of the carousel ride was definitely a crowd pleaser. The favorites (according to Syd & Kade) were the Zebras, the Bear and the Monkeys. They also loved the white alligator! I think Kade would have been content to 
spend the whole day with his head stuck in the Lion's Mouth Drinking Fountain...(wherever there is water...there you will find Kade)...or chasing the wild turkeys that were roaming aroun
d. That kid can find mischief anywhere! He did stop long enough to sweetly hold Shelby's hand a take a quick picture. Then, he was off again!Syd spent most of the day right next to Lena. It was hilarious-- as we were driving to the zoo Lena and Syd sat in the back of the car next to each other and chit chatted like little teenagers. They were getting all caught up on their exciting four year old lives. It was pretty funny, as a Mom, to sit back and listen to my little social butterfly literally, almost, mature before my ears.
All four children were literally impossible to catch on film smiling
at the same time, so the pictures simply represent a meager effort. ;)At the end of the day, we rode the train, the kids picked out their treasures at the gift shop, and we were off to eat Shelby's cute Barbie cake and ice cream. The kids had a great time and it was really wonderful getting all caught up with the Tophams. Thanks for a great day, guys, and Happy Birthday to Shelby!
6 comments:
Looks like alot of fun.I love the picture of Kade holding that girls hand it is so cute.
What a fun day! Great pictures, too. I agree that the white alligator is amazing. We thought it was fake and maybe stuffed and the zoo is in on some "conspiracy-fake-out" but then it moves and you believe!
Oh my goodness! Hogle Zoo brings back so many memories . . . I haven't been for years. Glad you had such a great day. It's so fun to experience these adventures through our own kids' eyes.
After your last post of Kim's birthday and noe this one I remember a birthday party at your house when we were probably ten. We palyed the animal game, and I got soaked! We played another game with candy bars, and I got two. And your mom had made the best cake! Good Times.
We hada a great time also!! Lena hasn't stopped talking about Syd, so really need to try to not make it a semi-annual event!! Have you talked Donny into the exhibit yet??
Glad to see you are supporting the Hogle Zoo website with links on your blog ;) Tell Kade that Uncle Jared says, "Keep runnin' buddy!"
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