A Zoo Day

We had been trying to get to the zoo for days and days but it just kept raining. So this past weekend when the weatherman said it was going to be just overcast and in the 60's, I jumped at the chance and took the boys to the zoo on Saturday. It turned out to be a fun trip. It was overcast but not that many people were there so we were able to look at the animals as long as we wanted. Most animals were even outside. Not bad for middle of November!

This is one of our favorite stops...the gorillas. These statues probably would have done the trick for the whole day. Who needs the real animals!

These were the biggest turtles we had ever seen. Christian was amazed.

Now here is a big reason we came. This is the area where a deer somehow managed to get into and the lion had a little fun with it. Still not sure how the deer got in. We were hoping for a repeat but we weren't so lucky.

Instead we were treated to some loud growling (which the boys thought was great!) and watching the lion go to the bathroom...several times. This got some good "Eww!" and some laughs. Oddly we saw many animals use the bathroom that day! Lucky us!!

They have a petting farm but none of the animals would get close enough.

Christian desperately wanted to jump the fence and ride one of these miniature ponies.

The boys thought this goat was so funny since he was "playing on the playground!"

This was a new feature to at least us. It was a giant pizza that kids could play on. I had to pry the kids away.

Another play area. This was by the Prairie Dogs. The boys again could have stayed here a long time.

I was so excited to see this. If you lived in the D.C. area at least 15-20 years ago you would have found this on the "Mall" in front of the Smithsonian. Back then you were able to climb on it. It was always a highlight when we went the museums. He disappeared for a while but found out he was donated to the zoo! Definitely put a smile on my face.

So I tried to do a photo op while we took a break and had a snack. I thought this was funny of Diego. He really could have cared less!

I found a happy camper who wanted to take a picture with me!

It was a good day!

Christian

Had to post this picture of Christian. He was so proud of his outfit for church. He picked it out all by himself. You can't tell in the pic but his hair is even has gel in it. He did such a good job. He is such a perfectionist and very determined to do it all by himself. It makes me smile to see him so pleased with his choice.

Halloween

Our Halloween started out with a workout! Diego asked if he could rake the leaves. He actually wanted to. I thought I couldn't let this opportunity pass so I said "Yes!" It's not often he asks to actually do a chore!

He did such a good job. He even did our neighbors yard who then paid him a dollar. Diego was really excited that he got paid for his efforts. (Thank goodness though we live in a townhouse where the yards aren't huge!)

Diego did have to compete with these two monkeys! Never mind that the wind was blowing the leaves, Christian and Anthony thought it would be fun to throw them at each other and mess up Diego's pile.

Never wear white while raking leaves or jumping in them! This is what happens:

The marks of a good time!

After all that hard work, it was time to get ready to go trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Thankfully the rain held off for a bit so the kids could get their pumpkins full. They had a good and successful time!

Here is Christian as Indiana Jones. Funny how he is always at least two characters for Halloween!

Here is the crew: