Zoo Time

We had a day off back in March and decided to spend it at the zoo. The weather was sort of cooperating and the kids loved being outside. We met up with the Phillips which was really fun. It was fun to hang out with Michele again. 

Poor Kara - she just gets propped up wherever we can put her. Then she gets mauled by her brothers.

We stopped at the bison to take our souvenir photo. I was having a bit of trouble getting the focus right, so I stopped some old men with big cameras. They basically told me that I wouldn't be able to do it with my camera. I told them I'd just photoshop it and they were very enthusiastic that it would work best that way. So here is my photoshopped version! When I got home, I found an app on my phone that will take the picture exactly the way I want it. Go figure. Next time.

With Clark's science fair on the brain, we had to make a stop at the swamp and check out the poisonous snakes. The boys are a little obsessed with poisonous snakes just like their dad.

Is it Science or Industry?

Days off of school seem so rare and precious! I'm finally feeling up to taking all three kids places...that is until I took them all to the Museum of Science and Industry! Haha! I know most of the exhibits are hands on, but I just wanted them to stop pushing buttons! Aghhhhh! We did have a great day though. Even if I needed a tranquilizer.

I'm so glad that Clark reminded me of our souvenir photo series. Here is the second photo in our series. You can find the rest of them (the other one with hopefully more to come) here.

We were also super lucky to stumble upon the "Bangs, Flashes and Fire" show. Clark loved it and participated every chance he could. He got a sticker for identifying safety glasses as protective gear...smart kid, haha! Kent hid behind me the whole time. Kara happily watched. The first thing they did was set some ice on fire. That was pretty cool, but we were wanting to see more than a little candle flame even if it was burning ice. So then they made some different color fires and we learned that the things they add to the fuel makes the different colors. Lithium makes pink and copper makes green. I can't remember what the super tall flame was, but it was high! The bangs came at the end when they blew up a hydrogen balloon. Then they filled a balloon with rocket fuel and blew that one up. I don't have a picture of that one since I had to cover Kara's poor ears for the bang!

The museum has SO much in it that I never feel like I even scratch the surface of what we can see. We walked down by the ships and race cars. Then went to the weather exhibit where Clark got to walk in the vortex. Kent didn't want to. Clark also wanted to step into a tornado and experience 80 mph winds. He's fascinated by tornadoes right now, so I think it's fun for him to learn the science behind them. We also went to the YOU exhibit where Clark was able to take a spin on the hamster wheel and Kent finally enjoyed something! He practiced with a Tai Chi master.

Jason stopped by the museum after work and joined us for the last half of the day. They had a special Disney exhibit there too. I was so excited to see some Mary Poppins stuff. The carpet bag was really like carpet - long carpet. I always thought it was a bit more like tapestry. I have to watch the movie again. They also had the prop storybooks from Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White. I thought they were really cool to see. They had a lot of information about the animation process which always fascinates me. I am always shocked at how much goes into making an animated film. Simply amazing. The last stop of the day was at the Animation Studio where they taught us how to draw Mickey Mouse - without an eraser! It was fun and most of the Mickeys turned out pretty well! I always love seeing Clark's drawings!

Dolphin Trainer for a Day

I know what you've been thinking..."Boy, Mary hasn't taken her kids to the zoo lately." I know! Don't worry. All is right with the world again as we spent a nice long day checking out the dolphins, cats, bears, dinosaurs, and so much more!

On this occasion Gigi decided to come with us to the zoo. That's always a treat! We decided to do something a little different and see the dolphin show.

And wouldn't you know it...they called Clark up so that he could "train" the dolphin! What luck! He told the dolphin to say hello, to turn around, and to wave goodbye.

Gigi and Kent getting ready for the dolphin show.

We also went to the Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit which is always a lot of fun. It was nice that Clark had his camera. He even took some pictures of me at the exhibit to show that I was there! The "Shopasaurus" at the end had some fun baby sunglasses. Kara looks oh so stylish, ha!

My brother shared a link on facebook of this photographer who adds funny souvenirs into their photos of famous places and landmarks. I thought it would be fun to give it a try so we bought a wax mold and took it to the Great Bear Wilderness!

Kara with all her spoils.

Fun photo strip with Gigi!

I've missed you zoo. I promise we won't stay away so long next time!