staycation part one

Andrew had this week off and we decided to spend the time doing day trips and special outings with the kids. Both Andrew and I agree that it was a great week. No, we didn't get a real vacation away from our home, but we got to visit local places that we just don't get to any other time during the year. So people, here come a whole lot of photos. I will divide them into two different posts. Here is part 1.

On Monday we spent the day at the Toronto Zoo. The last time we visited Nathaniel was 18 months. It was definitely time. Jesse is fascinated with animals so we knew we needed to make the trip.

I wish I could say these two were this peaceful during the duration of our trip. There were a few squabbles given the close quarters.

We got to the orangutan exhibit and watched as the two younger ones climbed around and played. The mother made a bed of straw and then arranged two shirts on them. She then came right in front of Jesse. Without asking Jesse his favorite part of the zoo, I think this would have been it. He was so content to watch their antics. When we went to leave he spontaneously shouted "Bye bye monkeys!"

Abigail checking out the orangutan family tree. The matriarch was named Abigail.

My troupe watching the gorillas.

Isn't she lovely?

I was looking forward to the elephants. The zookeeper was just beginning his presentation of the elephants when we arrived. Abigail and Nathaniel listened attentively but Jesse wasn't quite as impressed with these giants as I expected him to be. Perhaps they were just a bit too overwhelming. He ended up playing in the stroller most of the time.

Did I already mention how lovely she is?

The boys having a break climbing all over the rocks.

I have a thing for zebras. I took lots of pictures.

Nathaniel was most excited to see the lions.

When we arrived the male lion was snoozing. I think that is how you most often find the lions, especially during the heat of the summer. Every once in a while we would see the lion open his eyes. And then...

something got his attention.

What a treat to see such a beautiful and majestic animal.

And mama kept on sleeping.

The kids were all able to touch a ball python. It took Abigail a few times before she actually touched it. Jesse and Nathaniel weren't afraid.

At around 3:00 Andrew and I sensed the kids were getting to their max, so we got out of there as soon as we could to avoid the Toronto traffic. This trip was a definite highlight.

On Wednesday night Andrew and the kids set up the tent and built a campfire in our backyard. We invited the neighbours and shared marshmallows and smores.

We had a brief sprinkling of rain, but no one seemed to notice.

They were all busy digging into the marshmallows.

Jesse stuck with the graham crackers.

Jesse also elected himself for cup duty. He picked up every one's cup whether they were finished or not.

Before Andrew, Nathaniel and Abigail went to settle down for a night in the tent, there was a quick game of "Monster" with Andrew chasing all the kids around the play centre. Jesse loves this game. A great way to end another fine day.