Fourth of July and Fun Times At The Zoo!

I hope everyone had a fabulous Independence Day! We didn't do too much for the Holiday. Being so far way from family makes it very difficult. Noelle is too young to go to the fireworks as she goes to bed around 7:30pm! We did go to our local Adrian Mall and walk around to get some exercise and for a change of scenery. After the sun set we could hear fireworks in the distance and decided to step outside. Fortunately, we could see very clearly just over the trees the Adrian fireworks. I think the best way to enjoy fireworks is at your own house with the one you love! It was a very fitting ending to a wonderful Fourth of July! Last year at this time we were on our Alaskan Cruise and it was something we will always remember, this year was not as exciting, but what can compare to Alaska? Here are two pictures one from a year ago, in Alaska, and the other one is this year, with the same hat on!

Today, we went to the Toledo Zoo! Tom took today and tomorrow off of work and the Zoo just seemed like such a fun trip with a toddler in tow! After we woke up we got ready quickly and headed out. Luckily, it's only about a 40 minute drive for us and we arrived just after they opened. We stayed for about two and a half hours, visiting almost everything. Noelle really enjoyed all the animals and making the appropriate noises to go along with most of them! There were times when the animal crackers I brought to snack on were of more interest than some other things, but who can turn down the great taste of animal crackers?! They have a children's zoo with goats that Noelle did enjoy brushing and petting. After a few hours we were getting very sticky and dark clouds were rolling in. We decided to head towards the entrance and as we got there light showers started to cool us. We had to stop at the gift shop and get a few souvenirs. Noelle chose a giraffe and tiger stuffed animals, which were clutched tightly in her arms the rest of time!