Lions, penguins and seals... OH MY

On a rather chilly and occasionally wet Saturday afternoon, we decided to take a trip to the Indianapolis Zoo to meet up with my cousin Becky and her family (from Ft. Wayne). Becky's two girls - Abby and Sidney - were just as excited as Kari and Bryce to have a get-together at the Zoo.

We started with a quick look at the seals inside the Zoo which is where the first group photo comes from. Not much activity here, so we moved on to the statuesque polar bear. At this point I think the kids were wondering if any of the animals would move!

While walking through the zoo, the weather began to improve and once the sun came out we passed by a little kiddie roller coaster. I instantly wanted to get Kari on this ride so she can begin to realize how much fun they can be. I figure we're not too many years away from an occasional trek to King's Island or something similar.


 After some initial hesitation, Kari, me and Abby ventured onto the coaster for a quick jaunt. Kari continue to have some apprehension, but once we had the bar across our laps she felt at ease... until the first drop. Even I must admit it went a little faster than I thought it would. Regardless, the three short spins around the track were a lot of fun and I believe it's safe to say Kari's appetite for coasters is officially whet.

We then did the desert section and saw giraffes, elephants, zebras and other cool animals. But soon it was time to venture back for the afternoon dolphin show. The kids enjoyed seeing the large mammals jump through the air and make big splashes everywhere!

A quick lunch and 30 minute play session on the playground ensued before we visited the shark tank and penguin pool. And what would a trip to the zoo be without a spin on the merry-go-round?

While we don't get to see them too often, it was great to get the cousins together and let them enjoy the day together!

Breakfast For Dinner

Kari's favorite, evidently, is a favorite among all the neighborhood kids.  We had an impromptu dinner party at our house with pumpkin pancakes and breakfast sausage.

Sunday Treat

Stopped in to Pappy's to split a milkshake.

A Camping We Will Go...

A camping we will go!  High-ho, it's off we go, a camping we will go!

Yes, that's what we did this weekend.  Mom, Kari and Bryce went camping with Gran and Beep Beep as part of our annual church campout at Turkey Run SP.  Kevin opted out this weekend and chose to stay within the comforts of home.

We arrived Friday evening just as Gran and Beep Beep were putting the finishing touches on the campsite: two tents- one for us and one for them-, a screened tent to go over the picnic table, camp chairs and air mattresses.  Ben and Cheryl are avid campers and this was high-class camping! 

We were among approximately 12 other families from church and most of the meals were community, pitch-in style.  We ate like kings and finished each evening off with S'mores.

 

After a leisurely breakfast on Saturday a large group of us headed out to the trails.  Kari has a high school buddy, Allie, and Bryce was a trooper, walking a good portion of the 1.5 mile semi-rugged trail.

 

Kari and Allie

 

Pastor Jeff, Bryce and Beep Beep walking up to the lodge for a hiking break.

 Overlooking Sugar Creek.  Bryce was mesmerized by the canoers.

Both kids slept incredibly well each night.  I was quite surprised, even though they spent high amounts of energy each day.  I think the fresh air did us all some good.

We wrapped up the weekend with a pancake breakfast and church service commemorating the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.  It was a wonderful weekend and cannot wait to go again next year!

Picture Day

Clearly, I'm destined to have Bryce hate me when he's older.  Grandmo made Kari's dress again and I took a stab at making Bryce's lederhosen.