Zoo Time!

I just LOVE the zoo! I'm not sure what it is but it's one of my favorite things to do. Since we made our move out east our zoo trips have decreased tremendously. I have to admit I've really missed our Albuquerque zoo.  So last weekend after picking the kids up from their weekend camping trip with Nana and Pop Pop we made a side detour to the Virginia Zoological Park in Norfolk. It was hot and humid but after a weekend full of rain we were ever so grateful for the clear skies for our visit!

The statue at the entrance, if you look close it's a cluster of butterflies, so pretty!

 We are ready!

 This tiger had just finished eating and was chewing on her bone when we walked up. Next thing we knew she was walking up to our window...think she was looking for second's???

 My little Orangutans! Yes, that is Brayden trying with all his might to reach :)

 Red Panda! Just walking along the tree right above us...guess these guys don't jump.

 

 These two were buddies, using the tail as a punching bag.

 Why hello there!

 Going for a Rhino ride!

 Cracking each other up!

 Sometimes we just don't want to take pictures Mom!

 Best part of the zoo...finishing the hot day in the water! SO glad we had our swimsuits with us!

 ahhh!!

Picking Strawberries

I LOVE strawberry season! The sweet smell, the bright red, and the juicy taste of a ripe strawberry...yum! We made our way to Miller Farms Market this past week to get our hands on some ripe berries. We of course enjoyed some taste testing along the way. It was hot, hot, hot but so worth the 10 lbs of strawberries we left with. Stay tuned for some documentation on my first jam making experience!

I believe the way Brayden picked was "one for you, one for me." So one in the basket, one in his mouth.

Daddy and Brayden looking hard for the really good ones.

How I love this precious little girl. 

She carefully looked at each berry to be sure it was just right for our own jam.

Enter boy phase of making funny faces for every picture...

...and I mean EVERY picture.

Here is our yummy batch of strawberries! Bring on the smoothies, the berries, the jam and more!

Backyard Camp Out!

Oh hello Summertime! We thought it was time to take the old tent out and go for a backyard camp out. The skies were clear so we set it up (and added the air mattress) through in our sleeping bags and pillows and marveled at God's creation watching each star peak out. Listening to the sounds of the crickets, the frogs, the owls, and all the night creatures made a night of adventure!

Settling in for camp out fun!

So excited!

Boys will be boys...Brayden's new thing for picture time....making funny faces!

All the excitement going to bed late and waking up early...found Keely on the couch today crashed out!