Tag Archive | zoo

Re-visiting the Zoo

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!

New metal piece out front!

Close up detail.

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.20170705_105230

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20170705_105810For 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.20170705_110414

They were just so ... resigned to it all.

They were just so … resigned to it all.

Lemurs on the other hand, are a family favourite.20170705_111257

And the seasonal butterfly exhibit. That is always a wonderful experience.20170705_112143

On Emanuel's hat

On Emanuel’s hat

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

With our maple leaf friend

With our maple leaf friend

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20170705_102937So 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

Flamingos

We never noticed this before

We never noticed this before

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

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

So many statues to pose with.

So many statues to pose with.

She dressed to match

She dressed to match

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Zander is far right

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Happy Canada Day!

July 1st is our yearly opportunity to be very visible and very Canadian. This year was a little different… Emanuel was still away at the Scout Camp with his friend Aidan until the evening. So we did our usual photo shoot with a twist.20170701_094925

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There was a meet up with our homeschool friends for some swimming or club (kid’s choice) with Nate and Bella as well. 20170701_105006

We TRIED to head to the zoo but apparently it was the day to go. So instead we turned around and headed to our favourite beach. Since the weather was a little on the cool side and cloudy it wasn’t packed. We didn’t spend much time in the water but really enjoyed the sand.

With Maple the Leaf

With Maple the Leaf

20170701_13072020170701_13300120170701_13370520170701_131403After the beach it was home for showers and then off to collect our absent Canadian. On the way there we stopped at our 3rd Tim Hortons so far. This one is rather close to the Novak’s house. I actually meet what I assume is an owner of one of the franchise. After a lovely conversation about the new stores and my coming from Canada to Minnesota he comped us 40 Tim Bits!!! So I left that store with 80 Tim Bits, an Ice Cap and a wonderful experience.IMG_20170701_162643_194

Snoopy!

Snoopy!

After a visit with the family and delivery of their Canadian goodies it was off to McDonald’s (Echo’s request after the aborted trip to the zoo).20170701_185250

We rounded off our Canada Day with a table of Canadian sweets. Ken made traditional and mint Nanaimo Bars (we had to order the custard powder off Amazon), Maple Cookies sent by a friend, and Tim Bits. Not bad! Next year buttertarts?IMG_20170701_211904_989

We redid our group photos on the 2nd to get a full group shot.20170702_095901

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Not bad for a Canada Day that wasn’t able to be celebrated IN Canada.20170701_095149

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This entry was posted on 05/07/2017, in Uncategorized. 2 Comments

Approving of April

Annnnnd on we go. April… Well of course April is Trinity’s birthday – 8 this year! You can read all about her special celebrations HERE. She is growing up so quickly… they all are!dscn15211

dscn15241imag2905We made if over to the Novaks in April as well. I swear I take more pictures of pets than kids when we are there though. Snoopy the cat is way too much fun to photograph.dscn15421

dscn15471img_20160430_204737I think we would live at the YMCA. I know we BASICALLY did over the summer. (oooh spoilers) I figure if we are to be gifted a membership by Nana and Baba we better make it worth their money! So lots and lots of pool fun over our spring this year.dscn15041

We are also getting in a lot of together time, often on my bed. Which is just fine. Planning school, crocheting, hanging out together. It is so special. dscn15401

Of course we made it to the Home Depot free Saturday. img_20160402_112251

And spent some lovely time with Nana and Baba during their time up from Florida.img_20160404_215029

The big kids even had a field trip to a radio station!imag2812

And best of all – fun trip to the zoo with our new homeschool buds!!! You can read all about it HEREimag2949

imag2939April was a mix of warm and cool weather but with so much fun going on I don’t think anyone minded. imag2840

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