Dallas' Spring Field Trip

This past Friday, Dallas' Kindergarten class took one last field trip.  Along with the first and second grades, we headed to Mesker Park Zoo in Evansville.  Doug and I have taken the kiddos to the zoo on a couple different occasions, but it has never been as crowded as it was on this trip!  I guess all the other local schools had the same idea.

We lucked out and had a very nice spring day.  The forecast had called for rain in the morning, but it held out until all the kiddos were back on the bus at the end of the day!  Aright, on to pictures...

The first animal we came across was the Jaguar!

Dallas' best bud, Ryan was with us (along with Julianne - she refused take her milk from a bottle; therefore, I didn't think it would be a good idea for her to spend the day with a babysitter).  Ryan was most excited to see the wolves.  You can't seem them in the picture below, but they were out and about playing that morning.

The zoo recently opened a new history section.  I didn't realize, but Mesker Park Zoo is Indiana's first zoo!

We had a little bit of time to watch the monkeys play before we had to head over to the shelter houses for lunch.  I told the boys we could go back after eating, but the little monkeys were not in the playing mood then.

Luckily, we found a place where my two monkeys could play!

The zoo has a lot of peacocks that roam freely around the zoo.  On more than one instance, we had to step to the side as they passed us on the sidewalks.  Unfortunately, the only one we saw with his tail feathers spread open was quite a bit away.  I only had my cell phone for a camera; therefore, the pictures didn't turn out well.

A few more random photo opportunities around the zoo...

Dallas' Kindergarten class

Back Row (L-R): Dillion, Dallas, Katelyn, Maddi, Ella, and Lily
Front Row (L-R): Emily, Catelyn, Payton, Elliot, and Ryan

Until next time...

Trip to the Zoo

Dallas was out of school last Friday for Fall Break, and since Daddy was finished with harvest, he took the day off as well!  The previous Sunday at church, my friend Carla mentioned she was going to take her girls to the zoo on their Fall Break.  It got me to thinking about some free zoo passes we had from Daddy working Boo at the Zoo last Halloween.  When we got home from church, I found the passes, and discovered they expired at the end of the month.  I mentioned the idea to Doug, and he thought it would be a great start to the long weekend.

A quick snapshot before entering the zoo.

Here's a quick look at the last time we visited the zoo...over 3 years ago!

We found a couple bats hanging around in a cave

Dallas really liked this Scarlet Macaw (remember, his favorite color is red)

Can anyone guess what Dallas said when he spotted this guy?

Reba couldn't wait to see the giraffe.  Unfortunately, they weren't up as close as the last time we saw them.

Although, she was able to craw on the "baby giraffe", so she was pretty happy with that!

Monkey see, monkey do...

Until next time...

Madison Zoo

On Saturday morning, we all piled into our van to head to Madison.  We were set to take in the zoo that morning before meeting up with Aunt Katie and Brian for lunch and a local brewery tour.  Might I add at this time, Doug and I were so thankful to have the van on this trip!  It was the first 'roadtrip' we have taken with the kiddos where we did not feel cramped on the ride.  Plus, it was great for hauling everyone around during the trip :)

After finally finding a parking space...we entered the zoo!

We were greeted right away by the lions

We then made our way into the primate exhibit.  The kiddos loved watching the monkeys play - they also had a nice starring contest with this chimp

Look at the adorable little monkey!

The kiddos loved stopping at these cut-outs...it was about the only time Dallas would let me take his picture.

They were very excited about seeing the giraffes



Dallas also thought the flamingos were very cool.  He will still talk about the funny colored birds with funny legs!

Momma and her baby chick

Momma was excited to see the polar bears, they have always been my favorite...therefore, the kiddos were excited to see them too.

He came out of his den right as we were passing!

Right next to the polar bear, was a brown bear...he was a little more entertaining :)

Our last stop was the reptile building - and I think it might have been the kiddos' favorite!  Dallas absolute loved the little frogs, especially this orange one.  He made sure to show each one of us the little frogs.

They could have sat and watched the turtles forever!

Reba didn't know what to think of the giant tortoise

or the alligator snapping turtle

but then she found more of the little ones to watch!

A fun picture with a giant tortoise with Aunt Lisa!

One more before leaving to meet Aunt Katie and Brian for lunch!!!

Until next time...

Boo at the Zoo

On Sunday evening, I headed out with the kiddos to Boo at the Zoo!  Doug was already there working at the Monsanto table handing out candy.  This was the best way to get the kids from the parking lot, across the street, and into the zoo...

We finally made it to the entrance!

Once we found Daddy's table, he was able to slip away and walk around with us...We weren't able to see many animals because it was getting dark and they were inside.  We were able to see the rhino; he is housed in the main level of the nocturnal pavilion!

 A quick stop for a little bean bag toss

 She insisted on carrying the bag and walking on her own

The kiddos were very interested in the giant cockroaches...I kept my distance.

All in all, it was a great evening.

Until next time...

Daddy's Golden Birthday!

Today Daddy turned 30 on the 30th!  His "golden" birthday, as some might say.

We celebrated by going out to eat at a fabulous local restuarant, The Log Inn.  It is the oldest restuarant in Indiana, and it has the best fried chicken!

Daddy and Dallas in their matching (Dallas) Clark shirts

Not sure why she was sticking that bottom lip out to Daddy, but it was kind of cute...

Can't take ones' picture without taking the others'

The kiddos were excited to give Daddy his birthday present.

 I'm surprised neither of them spoiled the surprise of what we got Daddy (a new basketball!) 

We finished off the night by trick or treating at Boo at the Zoo! (more on that in another post)

Until next time...