Kicking off a long weekend

 Como Pool, Como Zoo, Como Conservatory

The adventurers are off!

Today we ventured to Como Park, which is so much more than a park. The babies had a blast in the pool - we went on the lazy river four times and down the slides and if those kids weren't under 48 inches we could have gone on the zip line too...but we had a fun time.






Joe almost fell asleep on me while I was wrestling him out of his wet trunks and diapers. But a picnic's as good as a nap...says no one. But it kind of was. A few pb and j's and pringles later, we were off to the (free!) conservatory and (free!) zoo, which, is NOT a petting zoo, in case you thought so like I did. That zoo = legit.

Remember our Pooh Bear baby?! Still workin it!

It wasn't the leisurely after-lunch stroll I had anticipated - that place is MASSIVE. And our children are very well-behaved when they are tired. Wait, no they aren't. But they were today - just kind of pleasantly relaxed and let us mosey where ever we pleased.

 The zoo entrance is right next to the conservatory and is rather unassuming but we went to check it out anyways. I was expecting a few rabbits and goats. I was wrong.

Um yes, that is a 10 ft, 1700 lb. polar bear.

And that is a tiger.

 There were also giraffes, gorillas, orangutangs, reindeer (the only deer that both male and female have antlers. How bout that?) seals, lions, and a rather nice aquatic center, rainforest center, and edible garden area. Riley's favorite this time: clownfish. "It's a Nemo! It's a Nemo!"

 There is also a nice little water park and carnival area, and a GORGEOUS carousel ride, which we will save for another day when our babies aren't exhausted.

And it only cost us 16 bucks (the pool)! And one cell-phone screen - mine took a tumble from the stroller and landed flat on its back in the most undramatic way, somehow shattering the top half of the screen! Still works though - I am just carrying it everywhere face up and with extreme caution.

Everyone is napping now which is good because we have to regain some energy so we can party with (drumroll) Patti and Joseph Smith, ladies and gentlemen. They are coming from Texas tomorrow for a visit and we are going to a bluegrass festival with them on Monday. I am ridiculously excited. They are such a fun, lovely couple and also it will be my first bluegrass festival. WHAT TO WEAR???

Additionally, we are making pork barbacoa salads for dinner tomorrow because I have been missing Cafe Rio something awful. If you can't bring the mountain to Mohammed... Seriously - soooooo excited!!

Praying everyone else is having a fun, safe weekend. We miss you!