Happy New Years 2010

This year I'm really going to do a better job of blogging my family's memories. In 2009 I only posted 69 times. We'll see if we can't top that this year!

Today I loved my family by braving the zoo despite some nausea. We saw over 43 animals (Isabelle kept a list). We had close encounters with lions, tigers, and jaguars. The latter had a stare down with my Sophia!

We made it to mass on time which was a biggie considering we were exhaustified. ;-)

Today I kept resolutions #1, 4 & 5 (smiling, 1 load of laundry [it's something], special act of love [zoo]). I didn't grade any school work and we didn't actually eat dinner so there wasn't a set time for prayer. Actually, its 10pm and the kids are still awake! YIKES! We never let them stay up so late but their break is almost over, much of it was spent sick and Craig is leaving Monday. We have lots of catching up. We're about to watch G-Force.

Gotta go up and say prayers with kiddos before movie starts (since most will probably fall asleep).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Zoo Pictures

WARNING: Post with gazillion pictures!!

Here are some pics from our zoo visit yesterday. No, we didn't see any elephants, giraffes, rhinos, hippos or any other large animals that kids normally like to see.

When Isabelle was only in 1st grade, we used to go to the zoo ever two weeks with another family. The MODG syllabus said to go to the zoo and museum instead of using science books. Well, I took her at her word. We went faithfully.

In fact, we went so often, my kids got used to spending 30+ minutes staring at one animal. Since then we take very slow walks around the zoo with the promise that we can always come back in a few weeks. ENJOY!

These flamingos were Catherine's favorite!!

Asiatic Black Bear. He was actually playing and hanging from the bars. We stayed with him for quite a while. We also enjoyed watching the birds eat his fruit. Isabelle identified a Starling.

Komodo Dragon

Kids sitting on a Komodo Dragon. This is their favorite statue.

Python

Here's Catherine pointing at the monkeys who were doing a wonderful job of acting silly and swinging all over the place.

Can you find Nemo?

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We spent a long time in the Butterfly House. The kids loved it in there. The rules include not touching the butterflies, flowers, or fruit. And no running or getting off the path. At some time or another Kolbe, Catherine and Sophia broke all of the rules. ;-)

In Sophia's defense, the butterfly landed on her (which is allowed). But then Kolbe wanted to hold it and Sophia was attempting to pass on the butterfly. I managed to stop the transfer. Notice the butterfly's wing is damaged. We didn't do that!

Older sisters taking care of our little monkey!

Jaguar, up close and personal!

Oldest sister with youngest sister! I love seeing these moments!

My favorite spot to sit while we .......

..... had ICE CREAM!!!

A zoo trip isn't complete without these yummy treats!!

Hope you enjoyed your visit!