A Winter Zoo Day

Okay, so we decided to do something for President's Day that we've never done before. We took a trip to the Hogle Zoo. There's been hardly any snow at our house (not unusual for a place by a lake) but the zoo had a foot on the park where the kids HAD to play! Ah well, they had fun.

There weren't too many animals out and about. All of the African animals (elephants, giraffes, primates, etc) were put away for the winter and we couldn't see them. Well, that is except the ostriches. Weird, if you ask me. But the tigers were lazing around and the Amur leopard was pacing. So, at least the big cats were actually doing something. Normally, they just lie in the shade and pant during the summer time.

Jack walked most of the way, choosing only inopportune times to get out of the stroller while I was pushing it. But he had some fun this time and wasn't left home to nap. The zoo wasn't even that busy. We got front row parking! It's amazing I got some good shots, since I the sun was so bright and I couldn't see the display on my phone! I was just hoping they turned out okay.

Happy Birthday, John John Man!

Has it really been six years since John John entered our lives? I'm probably going to say this about all of my kids on every birthday they have! Oh well. He's gotten to be such a big boy and so fun to have around. He's starting to want to plan his own parties more and invite people to them. Maybe next year I'll remember to include him more on the plans (and limit how many school friends can come...I mean, I can only accommodate so many seven year olds then!).

For those of you who don't recognize the cake, it's a Bakugan (Japanese cartoon series) that John has fallen in love with. He has never really seen the show but he loves the idea of creatures being captured in little balls and then transforming to fight battles for their owners. It's rather like Pokemon (if you know what that is) with a more fierce twist.

But John had a great time with his cousins! He was so happy to see everyone that came and then to open the gifts they gave him. We missed everyone who couldn't be there, but John says "thanks and (sheepishly) says I love you."

John loved all of his gifts! I have never seen a kid so excited about the variety of gifts. He was just as excited to get stickers as he was to get new school shirts! He has poured over the Japanese comic books called Gon. Everyone wanted to "read" these at the party (even those who can't read can understand these because it's a comic book without any words). Quite impressive!

I don't know what happened to pictures of the R/C truck he got, but John also loved the newest remote control addition to the family. He loves anything that flies or shoots, and has since driven the truck through some soft snow just for fun. He loves all of his presents and all of you who thought of him on his birthday. Thanks a bunch!