Wild Animal Park

The weather was going to be sunny and 75 so we decided it was a perfect day to head to the Wild Animal Park.  Waking up super early seemed to be Benjamin's theme for the first half of the week so we all had an early start, fed the kids breakfast, packed up all our gear, packed a lunch and made it to the park by 9:20am.  Did I mention that I'm NOT a morning person? :-)

It was the most beautiful day and it was so fun to enjoy the animals with the kids.  It wasn't crowded at all and it made for a really pleasant walk.  It made it easier to justify dessert later since we had to push our heavy kids up all the hills in the park......makes sense right?  Right?

 Benjamin had no fear at the petting zoo.  He went right up to all the animals!

 it won't be long before these two become best buddies!

 maybe one day my little guy will smile "on command" :-)

 I am such a blessed auntie

 this is what happens when he wakes up at 6:15.....a little catnap before lunch!

 elephant pic for Peter!

 beautiful giraffes

 riding the safari train

 beautiful mama and her beautiful baby

 Anita and sweet kiddos (hooray for being able to take pictures of each other this week, mom's are rarely in the shots!)

it's a cheesy smile but I love it nonetheless!

We hit a traffic jam on the way home so naps were pretty much nonexistent.  I had to laugh because I hit a traffic jam on the way home from the Wild Animal Park last September when I watched the kiddos while Anita and Nate were in Chicago.  Naps were nonexistent then too!

We made an enchilada ring for dinner then took the kiddos to the play area at the mall to get out some more energy.  They had an absolute blast, but we didn't bring our camera so no pics of the action.  We got them all to bed and enjoyed a little relaxation with some NCIS.  What a fun day!