ZOO 2014!

This past week was the zoo trip. JVL and I made the wise decision to go together, sans Emma, who was much happier and less sweaty staying with Sarah for the morning. But plus Carly. Bonus! Once Jonathan and I stopped being manic—traffic! sunscreen! crosswalk! bathrooms!—and gave in to the flow (it's a lot like drowning), it was a really fun day. And brought back fond memories of Cody's first trip to the zoo, ever...

And then his first trip, 24 months ago, with school. Look how little he is! Look how sweet he is.

This year, everyone was a little more hyper. (In keeping with tradition, Cody did in fact choose a stuffy for his collection—more on that soon.) Carly and Cordelia stopped first by the police station. Probably just to scope out the place and plan an escape route in case of arrest. They're spunky and sassy, so you never know. 

Our "plan" was to go all the way to the top of the zoo and work our way back downhill, arriving back at the car once everyone was beat. This didn't quite pan out. Because, you know, the reptile house is RIGHT THERE. How can you not go in?

Is my husband amazing, or what?

Then it was the elephants. Which were large and fascinating and all, but not nearly as fascinating as elephant poop. Which was the "big" topic, if you get my drift.

Then Carly wisely advised us to take a break and have some lunch. We did our picnic by the otters—one of whom is named Rutabaga! Cody and Cordelia were utterly delighted by this.

I almost cried when I went to take the yearly otter picture. Three years ago, he was practically the size of the otter and could cuddle on the statue. This year, he tried, but he's all legs and elbows and limbs and could barely get around his own knees. It stuns you sometimes, doesn't it?

Naturally, the girls wanted otter pictures too.

We ended the day with a surprise carousel ride!

How handsome are my boys?

We picked up Emma, and then, since we were there anyway…ICE CREAM! : )