Monday, July 30, 2012

GC Zoo

The kids and I enjoyed our first visit to the Lee Richardson Zoo in Garden City on Saturday with Bryan's mom Debbie. I have always been really impressed with this zoo! It's so well maintained and pretty, and even for a small zoo, they have all the most popular animals! It's a perfect size for walking the whole thing or just part of it if you can only stay for a shorter time. It's open all year and free to walk through!! So cool! Or, for a small fee, you can drive through it! We went for an hour and a half or so and saw some of our favorite animals. We're planning a trip back with Bryan sometime soon to see the rest. 
Such a clean and green place!
Giraffes are a definite favorite.
 We went through the aviary, and the birds were so close to us. 
I hardly zoomed in at all. They just sat there. 
 Cute baby!!!
Makenah rode in the stroller for a little while, and then walked through the aviary. Once she was exploring on her own, you can bet she wasn't getting back in that thing!
We'll be heading back soon! 

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Colorado (July 2012) Ballerina

One of the added bonuses of visiting Bryan's family in Colorado is that we also get to to spend some time with my sister when we are there. This year, she drove up to Woodland Park from Colorado Springs and spent an evening with us. She came bearing gifts, and Makenah was very excited. We've known for awhile that we have a little ballerina on our hands, and Aunt Jenna totally hooked her up with a new tutu and her first pair of ballet shoes. Jen even adorned them with ribbon to look like pointe shoes, and being a dancer herself, she knew lots of ballet skills to teach Makenah. There was lots of twirling going on in the living room! 
Thank you Aunt Jenna for visiting us and bringing such a sweet gift for Makenah. 
We love you!

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Colorado (July 2012) Jeepin'

One activity we added to our itinerary this year was a family "Jeepin'" excursion. This was the perfect way to spend one of the days, because we all go to do it together! We took 4 Jeep Wranglers, packed a picnic lunch and headed out in the morning. It was SO much fun! We drove in the mountains, took turns leading and exploring, and tried to challenge our jeeps. (Non of them missed a beat!) 

Ready to get loaded up!
 The Pike's Peak view from the driveway.
 Logan was already loaded in the car, but we snuck in a quick pre-ride picture.
Blake's red Wrangler!
 Before we got too far up the mountain, we stopped to let some of the air out of the tires. Serious business. :-) They needed to be able to crawl over those rocks!
 The girl who never sleeps in the car was lulled to sleep by the ride. It didn't last long, but was sure cute. 
 Break time! 
 All four Jeeps... 
Granna and Grandad's
Blake's
Our's 
Steve and Cristal's
We really like our ride!
Brad getting video
 Bryan getting ready to forge ahead.
We stopped for a picnic lunch at a beautiful spot. We all just gathered around and ate casually, sharing lunch and sitting on the ground.
Makenah made sure to climb into Blake's jeep. 
 With so many family members who enjoy photography, this is the scene often. 
 Logan and his great Grandad.
Our picnic spot. 
 Makenah and MiMi
 Yes, I can change a diaper anywhere. 
More Colorado to come!