A Visit to the Zoo

The temperature outside jumped to 61 degrees today...in January.  We had to take a trip to the zoo!

Colin was super excited to get there

Come on Dad

We saw some of these....

and some of these.

Scott smiled a lot!

Then we saw some of these

and some of these...beep beep.

And then we saw my favorite animals at this little zoo, the otters...look at the wittle tongue

and look at the wittle yawn

and look at the wittle webbed feet, (and huge claws, these things are rodents aren't they?)

Ok, this thing is pretty cute too

but look at the wittle snuggle!

Ok, moving on to the slide

and the bobcat

and the freight train....freight train?

Seeing animals and trains, now thats a treat!

I think he's just excited about trains as Scott

checkin out those otters again

Meanwhile, in the stroller

He's getting there

Probably my 2nd favorite animal at the zoo

Can we take him home Mama?  I don't think Lou would mind

We can even bring his girlfriend

ahh, prarie dog love

Bulking up

What, you never saw an elk butt before?

Don't hate me because I'm beautiful

What's next?

Hedwig's cousin

Last but not least we always make a stop to feed the ducks

Good day!

A Great Read

"I smiled, imagining the fun.  In one fell swoop, our two worlds-Marlboro Man's country and my country club- would collide, combine, and unite in a large, harmonious feast, one that would officially usher in my permanent departure from city life, cappuccino, and size 6 clothes."

I love thepioneerwoman.com.  It's a wonderful blog created by Ree Drummond, a rancher's wife, mother of 4 children and a detailed blogger.  She lives in Oklahoma and blogs about everything from her smelly, lovable basset hound Charlie to her hunky husband "Marlboro Man".  Ree posts her amazing photos and her website is filled with helpful photography tips.  She also takes time to share some of her most delicious recipes.  It's no surprise I chose to read her recent novel, a love story about her courtship with her cowboy, their engagement, wedding, and the birth of their first baby.  It's a funny, heartwarming/heartbreaking story that was a delight to read.  If you get the chance to pick it up, you won't be disappointed.

What a delightful family!

Sea Salt Caramels

I picked up some of these delicious caramels from the candy counter at my local Boscov's department store yesterday.  The sea salt gives them such a nice taste!  I may have a new favorite candy...move over Butterfingers!

Tropical Memories

I believe the end of January is a great time to look back on an amazing tropical vacation!  In August 2010 we traveled to St. John, USVI.  It was one of the best vacations we have ever been on as well as our first vacation as a little family (our son Scott was 9 months old).  We are looking forward to planning another trip to St. John in the near future.  It was such a quiet island, very slow paced and relaxed and I can't even explain the beauty we were surrounded with!  The pictures can't take your breath away like experiencing it in person, but they are the next best thing!