Family Zoo Trip

Settle, both boys, and I visited the NC Zoo in Asheboro several weeks back.  Bauer enjoyed being outdoors and seeing all the animals.  He is already talking about going back real soon but one zoo trip is all I can handle for right now.  The five plus miles in the lovely, North Carolina humidity was a bit much.  Maybe we should consider visiting in early spring next year.  Griffin was a true champ and didn't seem to mind that we hauled him around outside for nearly seven hours in the June heat.     

 My favorite exhibit, the polar bear exhibit was closed due to a renovation/expansion project.  Bummer!  I was a bit disappointed, but I am already excited to see it next year!  The giraffe deck was also closed for the pregnancy of one of the giraffes.  Another bummer! It looks like we will have to wait until next year to feed the giraffes. On the bright side, the zoo had a new, special dinosaur exhibit that takes you through a forest that is filled with life-like dinosaurs and it was awesome.   Bauer absolutely loved the exhibit! The spitting Dilophosaurus was his favorite dinosaur because it shot out a mist of cool water as you walked past it.   

We really had a great trip, humidity and all. It truly is exciting for Settle and I to be able to teach Bauer about the different animals and the amazing world that we live in.   

Great Wolf Stay

Last week we took a trip to the Great Wolf Lodge.  This is our third year going to the lodge and every year we have the best time.  

Bauer is still a bit young to enjoy all that the water park has to offer but there is still plenty for him to do.   While we were there he mostly hung out in the kiddie pool where he was able to spray and splash water until his little heart was content.  He even worked up enough courage to go down a couple of the water slides.   

Griffin enjoyed getting wet too.  On our first day at the water park, Griffin was interested in everything but taking a nap.  I think he thought that he was going to miss out on the fun.    He fought sleep all day long.  

After a long day playing in the water park and grabbing a bite for dinner, we dressed the boys in their pajamas and headed down to the main lobby at 8 o'clock where we watched The Great Clock Tower Show and then enjoyed Story Time before heading back to our room for bedtime.  

Bauer was up the next morning ready to hit the water park and do it all over again, so that's exactly what we did.  Griffin on the other hand was just plain pooped and he spent most of his day napping.    

We had a fun-filled, mini stay at the Great Wolf Lodge this year.  We can't wait to go back next year.   

I love this picture!  Dr. Bauer checking to make sure Griffin is healthy.  

Waiting on the Clock Tower Show

Our attempt to get a family picture at the lodge.  Ha!

BEACH Time

Did I hear somebody say "it's beach time?"

Y-E-A!

Griffin + Beach = One Happy Baby

We took a spur of the moment trip to the beach the other evening to let Bauer play in the water sand.  He is not a fan of the ocean right now.  That's fine with me because it is going to make our trips to the beach much more relaxing. No worries of having to chase after a three year old who is heading straight towards the water with no fear.  

Bauer loves to play in the sand.  He does a lot of digging and building sandcastles. He loves finding seashells.  On this particular trip to the beach he wanted to bring along his little, green net to try to catch a minnow or two. We didn't see any tidal pools this time so it was too hard to catch any minnows, but we'll try again next time.  

Both boys really seemed to have a great time.  Bauer is already asking to go back and I am sure if Griffin could talk he would be asking the same.  

Trying to catch a minnow

Building a sandcastle

We don't have to worry about Bauer racing into the water but we do have to worry about him climbing the  lifeguard stand.

Digging in the sand

Peek-a-boo

Sand...

and more sand

Just woke up from a cat nap

Griffers is already a fan of the beach.   

He's at it again!