We Love Weekends - Part Two (The Zoo!)

Funny how the grown ups have one idea of how the day should go, but the kids usually have a totally different one. All you have to do is ask. (Which means that sometimes you might get an answer you: a) weren't expecting, b) didn't really want to hear.

Well, the past two weekends -- the past two Sundays, as a matter of fact -- we started out the day by asking the girls, "What do you feel up for today?" Last weekend we were thinking "waterfalls!" but the girls were thinking "playground!" and even suggested a trip to Lake Padden. So, we took their lead and it was great.

This weekend, we did what we had planned on Saturday, so we let the kids suggest again for Sunday. And, you guessed it: they chose the Zoo! One of our favorite destinations. And, we were due for a visit. The last time Stefan took the girls, there was snow on the ground.

Not today! I think this is the giraffe saying "Thank you for the sun!"

On our last few visits we've opted to skip the train ride in favor of renting the bikes. But today -- a perfect day for a trip around the park in the choo-choo. (You can't learn that the crane is the oldest living species, or that hippos kill more people in Africa than lions or tigers combined, if you're on a bike -- worth every penny).

No matter how many times we see the same animals, the kids are still so excited. I love that.

Oddly enough, but totally in character, today Jenica wanted to pose with only the "fake" animals. So, we have pictures of her with each. I refuse to put them all here. However, she was more than happy to smile for these shots. So here's one:

While we were expecting the "Sunday crowd" we are somewhat blessed with not being very religious. We avoid the crowds by not being at church with everyone else. We had the place practically to ourselves. Awesome.

Kerry and I did battle over the annual wearing of the hat. She won about 30% of the time.

The hippos had the right idea. They were totally submerged up to their eyeballs. They're not visible here, but we could see the sneaky duo. Sly ones, they are.

Most animals were content to have us watch them. Although this one couldn't seem to make out what all the fuss was about.

"Kerry the camel has one hump..."

And of course, the kids seem to know: a good destination is not a 4-star destination without a playground. Ahhhh, playtime.

We'll be back!