seahorse | "A Stitch in Time"

We are very lucky that our state has two zoos. The one we frequent relies on donations only which is terrific since to take our whole family to the other one is over 100.00. Curse of the large family when it comes to field trips. While we meant to head over to the zoo on the 1st of July to celebrate Canada Day it was just too busy. So we took off for the beach HERE and instead went back at the beginning of the day on the 5th. Perfect!

New metal piece out front!

Close up detail.

We never quite see everything on a trip. Which is just fine, since this zoo is affordable and not that long of a drive away. But we did see some wonderful animals.

For the most part I see the relevancy of zoos as an educational tool, a breeding program for endangered and critical animals, and often the only chance we will EVER have to see many of these animals in person. BUT the gorillas are hard. I just do not enjoy visiting them at all.

They were just so … resigned to it all.

Lemurs on the other hand, are a family favourite.

And the seasonal butterfly exhibit. That is always a wonderful experience.

On Emanuel’s hat

Of course we took some time with the penguins and the seahorses.

With our maple leaf friend

So we return often and share equally as often. Hopefully not too boring for those who check back here often. What can I say? We do love to share what we see!

Flamingos

We never noticed this before

Yup a 4 yr old, and she is almost 7 at this point!

So many statues to pose with.

She dressed to match

Zander is far right

October 21

Sometimes with being the parents of 5 the best gift we can be given is the one of TIME! Especially time without all of the kids. This is something we have been sorely lacking with our extensive sitter/family/friend base left up in Canada. Sunday was a terrific gift to Ken and myself as Nana and Baba decided it was THE DAY to take the 4 bigger kids out to the Minnesota zoo! So from rather early in the morning until supper time we were playing solo with just our baby girl!

Miss Echo with her duckies

So what do the parents of 5 do when they do not have the bulk of the children… well… nap… duh! And after said nap we packed up our littlest minion and headed out to leisurely window shop and peruse the bits and bobs in a few different stores. Jo-Ann’s is much more enjoyable when there are two adults and only one set of little grasping fingers, though I think she touched ALL the yarn in the store at least once! We had Christmas present ideas to discuss and colours to look at and think about. With the crochet ideas and patterns I have gotten with my subscription to Crochet Spot I am constantly thinking of gift ideas to make. I absolutely love that Ken is willing to be involved in discussions about yarn and colour combinations!

We stopped by the mall nearby to see the carousal horses in the main area and walk around the upper level so Echo could look down through the glass and talk away about the people and things on the ground floor. And really that was that for being out and about. We returned home and since it was a lovely and WARM fall day Echo and I headed outside… so that she could watch Pocoyo on the iPad in the front yard??? She is so her father’s daughter.

Silly baby

Out with Daddy

Of course our relaxing day was not to last as the rest of the family DID have to come home. Full of stories and with faces painted and some crafts to do during the week in hand. I think we ALL had a blast in our own way… and Echo was even slightly excited to see her brothers and sister again! Enjoy the zoo pictures!