First Summer Zoo Trip

Two days after school got out we went to the zoo.  It was a perfect day to go because it was overcast, and cool, and no one was there.  We had a great time.

Climbing the fake rocks by the big cats.

Harrison was very nervous about being up that high.  He really wanted to be up there, and did well, unless he looked down.

Bennett really really really wanted out of the stroller and up on the rocks with everyone else.  So I set him up there with Lily and he was SO SO excited!  This is his really super excited face!

He calmed down and then just smiled a lot.

Harrison climbing the mountain.

Bennett crawling into the borough.

Inside with Lily, Harrison and Maxwell too.

Max was jealous of Lily getting to help with him.  So then he wanted to help too.  Bennett was thrilled to be held up and see the animals.

Wiped OUT!  He slept great all the way home.



Spring Break Day 1

Day One - March 18th
As long as I have lived in Portland we have had an annual OMSI membership.  It is a great deal for us.  Not only do we spend a lot of time at OMSI, but also at other children's museums where the museum is reciprocal. (Mostly the Gilbert House in Salem.)

We went to OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry) because our school district was the only one in Portland who had Friday off, therefore I knew it wouldn't be as crowded.  And I was right!  We had a great time, and even more so because Jason had the day off and could come with us!

OMSI is always changing, and usually has at least one special visiting exhibit.  Right now they have an Egyptian exhibition.  They have a REAL mummy on display along with CT scans of other mummy's, and many other very special things about Egypt.  There was no photography allowed throughout the exhibit, except for in one place.  And that one place was this camel statue thingamajig.  My kids had a blast climbing all over it.

My most favorite place in OMSI is the Science Playground!  I will fully admit to going there while the older kids are in school, and bringing a book and letting Harrison run wild!  I did that at least once a week while pregnant with Bennett.  There is a water table, (though after the staph infection and near amputation of Harrison's toe December 2009 we no long play at the water table.) a sand box, a craft room, a pretend forest with chipmunk costumes etc. etc. etc. 

Jason and Glenn were having way too much fun reading every printed word throughout the Egyptian Exhibit.  (That is also something I would love to do, which is why Jason and I sometimes go on date nights, all by ourselves to OMSI, just so I can really 'SEE' the exhibits!)  So, Lily and I brought the three little boys to the Science playground.  I was bummed I had no book to read.

Bennett had a blast in the special baby area.  There is plush carpet, no shoes allowed and no kids over 2 years old.  AWESOME!

 His two favorite things in the baby play area were the balls and the real live fish swimming around.

Harrison and Max played the whole time in the sandbox.

Lily is always in the craft room.

The Denver Zoo

Lily and Bailey at the zoo, best friends!Harrison and Max at the Komodo 'fire breathing' dragon.

Lily and some beautiful snakes!


Mommy and Bennett looking at fun animals!





We have been having so much fun on our trip! We impulsively decided to visit Isaac and Kristin in Denver, Colorado, and were able to go to the Denver zoo! It was amazing, and here are some of our photos.

Max looks on as Lily chases down the peacock.







Maxwell with a new favorite animal.
The Alligator snapper turtle.








Harrison and his cousin Jakey, getting over the fact that this is no fire breathing dragon. What a bummer!

Glenn, Maxwell, Harrison, Jake, Lily and Jimmer. Having a blasted good time together in Denver!!!