Zoo Lights

Tonight we went to zoo lights at Hogle Zoo... 

We hadn't been before and didn't anticipate how crowded it would be. We only saw 2 animals (lions and tiger) but the lights were so pretty 🎄 and we had a great time. 

The best part was seeing Santa.

Zoo

We finally made it to the zoo to see the new African exhibit. The kids were the most excited to see the lions. We thought we might get to feed the giraffes but they still weren't in the exhibit. We can't wait for that. Kylie even volunteered for a small show about different creatures.

Afterwards we picnicked at a park we found. The kids kept squeezing/smushing each other coming down the slide.

Zoo

We had a four day weekend and thought it might be fun to use our zoo passes. We had never been in the winter, it never seemed like a great idea (way too cold) but we found out zoos in the winter are kind of awesome.  It was sunny so not too cold (but we were still bundled most of the time) and all the animals that are usually sleeping during summer were active. Who'd have thought? We loved seeing the cats. They were all moving around and eating. Usually they are sleeping and you can hardly even see them. And they are at the top of the park so the long uphill walk is not even worth it. The giraffes were in their building so we got to get really close to them. The sea lions were probably the most fun. We saw them playing and doing tricks. We will definitely be going again soon.

Zoo Day

This summer hasn't gone quite how we planned it. We got a season pass to the zoo in June but haven been able to go like we thought. Today was only our second trip. 

Jenny and her kiddos were able to come with us and we had the best time. It's always so much fun hanging out with cousins. 

We ended the trip at the new splash pad. It was insanely hot and the perfect end to our day. 

California Vacation

Our vacation this year was a good one. We spent two weeks in California. Paul had to work so I drove the kids a little early to California. These kids are finally old enough that it wasn't too awful (even though it was almost 12 hours). The kids ate snacks, played with their toys, watched movies. They were very entertained. Did I mention Moose was with us :) ? We ended up driving to my grandparents home and stayed two nights. Great Grandma and Grandpa always provide  a good time. There was lots of spa time (the kids love love love the spa) and even Great Grandmas famous Mickey Mouse Pancakes with M&Ms.

Then we went to the San Diego Zoo with Nana and Poppy. This Zoo is our very most favorite and Great Grandma and Grandpa always get us free tickets which makes it affordable :) We ❤ it! My mom was still recovering from surgery but you would never know it. 

All the kids in the African Exhibit. It was super hot on this lion but they were such good sports.

Momma & Kids in front of the Zebras.

 All the zoo fun! Kylie's favorite was the flamingos, Bailey's were the bears and Kades were the Koalas. Jaxon loved being by Poppy. They are best buds.

 Then we went to Oceanside beach with Poppy, Nana, Great Aunt Robin and Uncle Jim (Poppy's Sister/Brother in law). It was freezing most of the day but you'd never guess it from how much Kylie and Bailey played in the water. They're pretty brave, we kept having to make sure they didn't go out too far. They loved the waves. Jaxon had no fear of the water this year either. It was a little nerve racking. Kade was much more interested in the sand. He built all kinds of sand creations. Beach day is usually my favorite. There's nothing I love more than sun, sand, and relaxation.

 

The last two days were spent relaxing and getting ready for the Cruise. It was a great week!

Weekend Fun...

I get 3 personal days every year that I either use or lose. I never use them! This year I decided to use 2 of  them while Kylie and Bailey were off track. The first day (Monday) we went to the dentist, had a picnic in the park and played at IKEA (while mom shopped, it was awesome!). Then today, we went to the Zoo with my sister in law, Jenny and her sweet baby Paige.  Now being raised in California, I've been to the San Diego Zoo/Wild Animal Park a bunch and the Hogle Zoo just doesn't compare (I think I may be a zoo snob) but it was a ton of fun! 

All my kids...

The kids with their cousin, Paige, and the camels. We had to move around so we wouldn't see the back ends of the camels.

Kylie and Bailey...

Kade~ its pretty hard to get a three-year-old to look at me and smile when there are animals in sight but this one was pretty cute even if it did take 6 tries.

Jaxon before lunch...

Jaxon after lunch... I wish I could sleep like that.

The babes... these two are going to be best buddies (I hope)

The tiger with Kylie. We had to track up the hill to see these guys and they didn't disappoint. They were wrestling before this. It was pretty cool to see.

The giraffes were so close.

 All the kids... I love them having cousins so close by!

 The super cute baby elephant (my favorite).

~So to sum it up~
Bailey loved the giraffes.

Kade loved the monkeys/gorillas.

Kylie loved the giant turtle.