So long winter!

  A zoo trip last Thursday brought us adventure and excitement on a chilly day. The sun tried to warm us through the cold wind but we found the most relief in heated habitats like the mouse house and reptile world. One benefit to going before the pleasant days of spring is that Emma and I were among only a handful of other guests. It was a relaxing visit where we could focus on the animals, some of which were cooped up all winter and were especially active. Here are a few pictures I snapped on our trip.. The tigers were our first stop and Emma packed a toy to share with them. They weren't impressed, but we had fun!

Peacock looking for a warm place to rest at the Reptile world. Sorry buddy!

We were inches away through the glass!! 

Running up and down this tunnel a dozen times 

A little friend cleaning up crumbs at lunch time.

We were the only two riders on the Bug Carusel! Emma had her choice of bugs and no reason to rush it. And she chose the same bug as she did last time, a Mantis. She named it Greenie.

This was our first outdoors outing since winter kicked off. It was nice to get out and spend more than a few minutes outside. Back at home we are busy with all kinds of activities and mischief.

Yes mischief. Is that possibly a party hat on Catrick?

...because here is his party.

And here is Catrick!

Given a bunch of random pieces and material to build with, Emma creates new designs for "playgrounds" each day. Playground is her favorite subject to build. Using these open-ended materials really leaves it up to Emma to turn it into something. It's not what it is but what it can be. And It's always changing.

Magic.