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Lucas

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Olivia

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Frankie

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Kolbe

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*John & Samantha*

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Houston Zoo (the sequel)

It has been almost exactly a year since we first visited the zoo, and since Lucas is really into snakes, we decided it was time to go back. Looking back at our first visit is bittersweet; the kids look like babies, we were fresh out of the navy-homeless and jobless, and... I was much fatter. To think of all that has changed and to realize the lack of security we had then, is astounding. We still managed to enjoy everything in Houston, despite living in a crappy hotel for 2 months. I have much respect for John for hiding his worry and pushing forward ambitiously to take care of us.

   It was also a lot funner because our 2 and 3 yr olds were very entertained by all the animals now. In fact when we left, Olivia proudly said "Bye elephants. Bye monkeys. Bye alligator!" listing every animal she could recall...and in between each "bye", was Lucas saying "bye snakes" every time :) I hope he gets over this obsession because I really don't want to take care of and feed a snake...yuck!

  I only took a few pictures as usual, (yeah kidding) so enjoy!

    Here's a comparison of last year in March 2011, to today, April 2012:



Told daddy to pick one...he picks the cock. They didn't have these last year..kinda creepy no?




Another comparison: Olivia in the aquarium tube 2011, and L & O in 2012



All we heard as soon as we walked up to this aquarium was Olivia screaming , "DORI!" :)


 I wanted to get a picture with this mural, and the barricade wasn't totally blocked off so we did...but someone came to politely usher us out after letting us get a pic. Apparently it was the tiger's compound. jk.
 Meerkats
 Searching for Elephants
 FOUND THEM MOMMY!
 I love the elephants. This one kept spraying water while 2 babies wrestled in it. :)

 Lucas allowed himself to smile here--he was very adamant about getting to the snakes. (which we saved for last lol)



This one still had it's tusks so I guess it had to be separated to keep from harming other ones. How lonely :(

 My sexy face..eating apples with the opaki.


 Think they're ready for camping?









 Olivia trying to share apples with the rhinos :)
 cute huh?

 Olivia trying hard not to enjoy the ride.



 We have been enjoying "The Princess & The Frog" lately---so here's Olivia trying to kiss the frog!


 Best Friends.


 Olivia didn't get to do the prairie dog thing last time :)
 I snuck around the other side of the cave and scared the shpadoinkle out of Olivia lol. 
 Snacks & water break.



 She liked sitting on the cheetah!
 So pretty. 
 We didn't get to really see the sole male lion because there were too many people in the way.


 I swear I have the same pic from last year...this albino alligator hasn't moved! looks like a statue.

 FINALLY SNAKES!


 They finally meet face to face...This looks like Jake the Snake from Rango---there were so many reptiles and we kept singing "RANGO! RANGO!"
 Beautiful zoo, and perfect weather. 

Here's a collection of videos we took:

4 comments:

Iris said...

I LOVE the zoo! What a fun family trip. I especially like the photos of the family together.

OMG in those first two pics, I can really see the difference! You are so skinny now. If you wanted to stay at the weight you are, you would be A-OK :D But I know you want to keep going and I encourage you to :)

Man! Olivia and Lucas are growing up way too fast! Glad they are enjoying themselves and that you and John are creating beautiful memories for them.

Prolifegirly said...

Aw thanks Iris- thats what its all about--memories :)

really?! I am feeling comfortable at this weight, but want to lose a little more...and obviously tone my thighs..not looking forward to that. trying out pilates class today tho..

Yeah they are really aware of everything now so it's fun to teach them about it all.

And thanks about the pictures--I have gotten pretty good at setting the timer and finding a good place to set it. :) it's much better than bothering a stranger to do it!

Bill and Jennifer said...

you look Awesome!!!!!

Anonymous said...

shpadoinkle :D