the zoo

Blue skies, sunshine, smiles and anticipation.  That is how we started our long weekend in Milwaukee.  The kids excitedly grabbed the hands of their cousins, hugged and chattered away as they hopped, skipped, and jumped their way into the zoo.

We have made it a tradition when we visit over Memorial Weekend to visit the zoo.  It used to be a weekly occurrence when we lived down there.  I'd push my double stroller, either with a group of friends, with my family or by myself.  It was our back yard.... because when you have concrete sidewalks outside your barred windows, and a parking lot instead of a grassy plot of ground out back, somewhere has to be your backyard.  The zoo has always been a special place to visit.

With each new child, I would always be excited to see the wonder and excitement in their eyes as they got old enough to actually see the animals.  As they grow and mature it is fun to see what the new 'must see' favorites will be.  

Isaac is at the perfect age for the zoo this year.  The look of awe on his face above was the best exhibit I saw there.

 We spent a good amount of time in the bird and fish houses.  We all - even his older siblings- enjoyed pointing things out to Isaac and watching his eyes light up. It is so refreshing to see the world through the eyes of a child.

Spring time in the zoo means a whole lotta male peacocks strutting their stuff for the females.  They didn't seem to mind how close they were to anyone else... and I found that I still had the same desire as I did as a kid- to pluck a gorgeous tail feather out and run.  But I chickened out.

I love this.  Jack has always, for as long as I can remember, been a fan of maps.  Even before he could read, or even knew what a map was, he was drawn to the symbols and paths that maps had to offer.  He still can't resist taking a peek.

 ♥♥ Daddy with his boys♥♥

 

 I made it into one of the pictures with my girls!! ♥♥

 Jenny and her gorgeous crew, too ♥

 I saw that glimmer of excitement shine in his eyes again, when Isaac went into the goat feeding area.  He was such a big boy.  Not afraid or intimidated at all.  He and this goat actually became pretty good friends.  He got really good at feeding him and when he ran out of food, went in search of some more.

And after we had visited all the animals we desired, finished up our picnic lunch and were starting to feel hot and tired, we capped off the day with a ride on the carousel for the girls and a ride on the train for the boys.

When I was a kid, the train was THE highlight.  My grandma would always take Jenny and I on the train and I thought it was the coolest.

I can remember playing in her yard, eating sweet pears from grandpa's tree and hearing that high pitched train whistle... they lived pretty close to the zoo.  That same whistle accompanies the train today, and it's sweet sound sends all those memories rushing back to me.  I might have secretly wanted to ride the train more than Isaac did....

Brady's button!

Until next time! ♥

Before it's too hot for sweaters

I thought I would post these pictures of Zeekie that I took a few weeks ago, before it is too hot to wear sweaters.  He is just growing and changing so quickly.  He is so smart and can express himself so well; his little personality is bursting at the seams.  And he doesn't seem to mind that the camera is constantly in his face.  Love this little man ♥.

sweep and buff

Spring Concert

Last week Jack and Lucy had their Spring Concert.  The kids got a new music teacher this year and she has them singing some terrific, fresh, new songs.  They all seemed to really enjoy what they were presenting, and Terri and I kept saying how cute each song was to each other. 

Lucy also played a piano solo.  She did a great job! You can see the video here.  Listening to her play makes me so proud.  I have never had any musical talent, so watching her succeed is so special!