Birthday Zoo Outing!

Since my 28th birthday fell on a Saturday this year and we'd be spending it at my parent's, David took the day off on the 7th, and my request was that we go to the zoo!  That may seem like a strange wish, but I knew how much the kids would love it, and seeing their faces light up makes me happy!  (We only make it to the zoo about twice a year because of the price and distance.)

It was a terrific day (besides for our packed lunches getting accidentally left at home, and Eli getting pooped on by a bird)!

Great view of the lion!

Eli paid some money to "race a cheetah."  He took it so seriously, doing the runner's "on your mark" stance, and giving the race all his might. (Had to run barefoot because he was wearing flip flops.)  He enjoyed it so much we let him run it again!

Look at the excitement on that face!

The kids were definitely really looking forward to the train!  Clara kept making silly happy faces to the people sitting behind us (David and Eli were a couple rows back.)

I think everyone loved the dolphin show best of all.  What a performance!  As it was starting Eli happily declared, "I love this!"  The trip was definitely worth it!

We had a great visit at my parent's the following day.  Their current neighbors have a pool, and while Eli was out playing they invited him to swim with them,  He LOVED it!  (He even invited himself in again at our visit  a month later!)

My mom made my requested dinner and traditional cake (6th year of chocolate raspberry) and it WAS a happy day!