Zoo Day

We somehow got very lucky and the day we planned to take the kids to the zoo, was possibly the coolest one this summer. By no means was it cool, nice, or even enjoyable, but a lot cooler than typical summertime weather, yes.

However, we did not get lucky in the cost. Literally, as we were standing in line, two people in front of us, two zoo workers came up and put up a new sign, changing the cost of entry to $1.50 more! We need to just buy a membership, just honestly haven't taken the time. And I've said it before - Greenville Zoo is the best for toddlers - you can do the whole thing in an hour! Less if you try! I love it!

I have no clue what they are looking at here.

At the giraffes -her favorite!

William and Hudson were all about this bear, so Addie carefully walks up to it, and here bends down to see if it's real! The boys climbed up, but not my girl!

Here they were feeding the goats, which was their favorite thing to do! Addie had no fear with this! And I can't stand goats, so I was impressed!

See how far in she'd stick her hand?

That's Sarah's pregnant belly off on the right! Ha! It is a little girl on the way though! Finally!

The three (big) kids checking out the pig!

And my girl checking out the chickens. She loved them. I wanted to get away as quick as we could!

The Children's Museum

We met sweet S, her aunt Kristen, and her grandmother at The Children's Museum. It is, by far, the BEST Children's Museum I've ever been to (and I've been to several, not all of them though!). I mean, Addie is 2, and still talks about it today. She pretends to take her dolls to the museum. It is amazing. We spent three hours there, could have spend three more, and were completely exhausted with aching backs when we left! Thanks for inviting us Kristen. And S, thanks for always being so sweet to Addie. We are looking forward to your next visit!

The girls, mine a stinker, at the entrance. There are GORGEOUS (I mean, could be in your house gorgeous) blown-glass hot air balloon type wall art all over the entrance.

The first exhibit is this climbing aparatus made of clear poly and cables. My students love it. Addie, notsomuch. Maybe in a few years! (She's actually too young for it anyway, but we disregarded that sign!)

They do take care of the little ones at this exhibit by having these little mirrored steps for them to crawl on. Like Addie's outfit? My girl ONLY wants to wear a "big dress," which is a dress that twirls. Thankfully, we have a ton, but playing can be difficult in them!

Steering the space shuttle!

Racing with Mommy! Mommy's good at this!

These are for you Granddaddy!

Two sweet girls taking a fast ride!

This is a series of vaccuums that you put balls in. Addie didn't quite understand the concept, and wasn't a fan of the noise or quick movement, but eventually she warmed up!

My precious angel!

This is a virtual vending machine that helps you make healthy choices. Addie thought it was great!

The grocery store is always a favorite (and the items are new and clean looking too!)!

It cracked me up that Addie put these Swiss Cake Rolls in - she has NEVER had a Little Debbie Cake!

I wish this weren't fuzzy, because I love the seriousness of her trying to scan her syrup (or "dip")!

The cake decorating was probably Addie's favorite. She was adorable, and so serious!

And let me say here that the girls were SO good about cleaning up after themselves!

Addie loved this too. She loves her "Doctor's Kick" (known to the rest of the world as a Doctor's Kit) at home, and here they have all these stuffed animals for you to work on. Addie took good care of this little kitty!

They didn't have crutches short enough for Addie! And I hope that we never have to see a pair small enough for her!

The girls in the HUGE elevator. These elevators hold entire classes, and as a teacher, I love that. I actually hate elevators, but I love the fact that I can get everyone I'm responsible for on one!

Here we are in the little farm area that is just for ages 4 and under (thank you!). The girls had a blast in here. And we got to sit for a minute!

Addie loved the little treehouse in this section. And I was even able to chase her around it for a little bit, which she loved, and me too!

It was a good try for a picture of the two of us!

No clue what she was doing here, but she probably just needed a breather too!

Planting carrots!

Mine and Kristen's favorite part - the giant light bright! These girls were too young to appreciate the fun of a light bright!

Getting their construction gear on!

Working the crane! Ha!

This little exhibit has you build a structure, then push a button that simulates an earthquake. Great exhibit. Addie just enjoyed sitting up there and building!

The water area! What a great concept! They even have seats built in to part of it that you can put a baby or small toddler in so they can splash as well. There's another one for older kids. My students, my wild ones, went home soaked!

Addie in the music room. She loved it all! She has very musical parents - we aren't prodigies by any means, but we both love music. She has no choice!

The green screen. Where children can make music videos. And my stinker was a mess! I had her sing the ABC's (you have a choice of about 20 songs), which she's known for years, but I guess she got stage fright! It was hilarious! I totally bought the DVD!

This is a picture of her on the tv that showed what the music video would look like. It was adorable!

Addie and S in the screening room. They loved watching themselves!

I know that was a ton of pictures, but I took way more than this! It was just SO much fun! That museum is so worth any road trip!