Tuesday, Zoo Day

Today I took my animals to visit the animals at the Oregon Zoo. We got a zoo pass for Christmas, and it is just nice to go whenever our hearts desire.

Sunday I wrote down "Zoo Day & Visit John at work" in my planner. As soon as the kids saw that, it has been a count down. This morning, everyone woke up happy and got busy finishing their work so we could make the nine o'clock train. We stuffed ourselves with peaches 'n' cream oatmeal, packed some water and snacks, left the stroller behind (let me re-emphasize: WE DIDN'T NEED THE STROLLER. I don't know why that was so liberating to reach this new stage of parenting, but it was...), and we were on our merry way.

I took the above picture so I could have a "before/after." I really was really skeptical about the outcome of the day. Yes, my kids were excited to go, but surely by time we got home they would be miserable and I would be carrying all of them. 

However, that wasn't the case, they were actually happier with more energy after the whole day adventuring! Again- another first. Our fun-stamina is increasing, people.

While we were waiting for the MAX, the kids each wanted their picture taken. Of course, I obliged. It really is fun capturing the way they are now, since they always seem to be changing!

Always deuces. ha ha.

Riding the MAX with my kids is like riding the MAX with a bunch of monkeys. They have to swing and climb and switch seats constantly and it always stresses me out thinking they are going to die or something.  In their defense- they did pretty good this time! Granted, the restraint it took was clearly torturing them.

When we got to the zoo, we all just played, hustled, observed, and explored everything together. It was so nice not having a stroller so I could focus in on everything with the kids. It was seriously the best day hanging out with my favorite friends.

This exotic bird exhibit was randomly a highlight. We had just finished a "Birds Take Flight" show, and were in the bird-finding-mood. It was like eye-spy. There were so many beautiful and strange looking species, it was a lot of fun.

Matthew was really digging the giraffes. We were trying to go speedy quick through this part so we would have time to see the bats (per Wills' request) before the reptile show, and Matthew was not having it. So whenever the kids would say, "Alright! Let's go quick!" Matthew would just look at them like, "I don't think so..." and they would slink back and grumble, but also kind of laugh because it is rather funny that a two year old rules the roost around here. When he was ready, he casually walked away and said, "OK- I done, bye giraffe, (sigh) we can race now, Taity and Nonny. I will win though, OK?" #fourthchildmuch?

This isn't the best picture of Matthew, but he really loves it, so I have to post it here so he can look at it again!

There was a snake encounter show and Johnny was so fascinated. He asked the presenter about fifteen questions. "How long is it? What's the longest Boa Constrictor ever in the world, even Africa? What other colors do they come in? Whats its name? Why is it named that? Could that snake kill me? Why isn't it living in the environment." They he would whisper more questions into his brothers' ears. Ha ha.

Toward the end, William was just "so tired." Caity offered to give him a piggy back ride! It was so cute. Everyone really did so good on this trip.

Next, it was back on the train to visit Dad for lunch. 

(I was most looking forward to this part!)

He looked so handsome in his work clothes. :)

It's always good to see that Dad of ours! We had a little picnic on the river while the boys ran up and down the stairs.

John dared the kids to run through the fountain. Caity and William skimmed by it, but Johnny went all in, and says (often) he has no regrets. He was pretty pleased with himself. 

Next we headed back home. Johnny and William had a competition to see who's side of the train had the most people, Caity read "Big Nate," and Matthew almost fell asleep. We were a happy crew.

And we made it!!

We started cooking dinner, and then walked to the park.  I knew the park was pushing our limits a little, but the kids were so insistent. It might have taken us an hour to walk a quarter of a mile- Ha! Despite being tired, everyone stayed pretty positive, for which I am grateful. I have a feeling everyone will sleep good tonight!