A winter trip to the zoo

We read in the paper that during the winter months

was the best time to go to the zoo

because a lot of animals are more active, particularly the tigers.

Since we had the day off, and we have a zoo pass,

we decided this was the perfect day to see if they were right.

While we were there, the tigers were quite active.

At first, they prowled, then this big one climbed on the roof to take a rest.

This one laid down and stretched. Then he yawned

and gave us a nice view of those huge teeth!
Then the third tiger cozied up in the back
and started to snuggle with the fourth tiger.

Watching the tigers was really fun, but it was even more fun because
Anne taught Max how to roar.
He kept saying "Roar" the whole time we were at the tigers,
and on the walk to the next exhibit.

When we made it to the giraffes, we saw them doing things we hadn't before
like licking the gate that led outside (there were actually 2 licking the gates)...

and playing with a ball and stick.

We saw a white wolf.

(In case you forgot, the girls' band is "The white Wolves")

Aunt Kristen came with us, and kept us entertained

by "talking" to the animals. Everytime she claimed to speak a language,

the animals got up from their rest. Here is the llama after she inveited him to stand.

She insisted that she could "speak camel" as well.

Here is the camel after she spoke to him too.

Everytime Max saw animals, he would point at them.

Here he's showing Kristen some chickens.

Here's how the girls measure up to the gorillas.

We decided we needed a picture of Max sizing up too,

however, he was more interested in the big puddle of muddy water,

so he was trying to get to it before I could snatch him up

and put him back in the stroller.

The ape house got pretty interesting.

We got to watch a few of the big gorillas eat.

This one gave us a good scowl.

The baby orangutan was really active. It was having a great time.

This one had a good time too,

(but that came later, and it was too disturbing to photgraph).

After the very public dispaly of affection by the oragutan parents,

the girls were laughting pretty hard, and I thought this picture seemed like a great summation of our winter trip to the zoo. We had a great time!

Family Pictures

We had family pictures taken in December,

I was really pleased with the results.

(Sorry I'm so slow to share)

I liked this picture, but wished Max had been smiling.

4 out of 5 is good in my book, and even without a smile he's still sooooo cute!
In an effort to make him smile, I tried playing peek-a-boo.
He just wanted to play too, however,
it looks like he's trying to blow us a big kiss!


Anne is going to be 12 this year and I can hardly believe it.
It really is amazing how fast kids grow up!

Abbey: It was freezing outside without our jackets.
We tried to get a good smile by telling her to pretend we were in Hawaii.

Olivia wan't really interested in getting her picture
taken, but I think we still got a few good shots.

Jane was quite a poser. Isn't she cute?

Last, but not least, here's our little buddy boy!

I just love this picture of Max!