Late last night, I decided if weather permitted this morning we would head to the zoo for some fun. This decision was prompted by reading a friend's blog and being energized by her excitement to make some summertime memories with her girls. (Thanks MB!)
After the destination was announced we were all about getting out the door!
We finally were gathered enough to head out, but we had to drop some "lab work" at the hospital first. As we entered the parking garage I called Mark just on the chance he was between patients and he was. We made our drop and then went up to his office just to say hi. We greeted the office staff with our zoo ready excitement. Apparently this impromptu attitude had spread. Next thing we knew we were being
whisked off to lunch with Daddy!
One the way back to the hospital we spotted one of the last open Liquid Highways in our area. This may not seem too exciting to many, BUT these tiny treasures by our house are closed and they make my special summer treat...
The One Way!!
Coffee, toffee, cream, and ice blended and topped with whip cream and toffee bits - does it get any better!! (And of coarse the spoils were car wide. The girls were treated with smoothies of their choice.)
We dropped Mark off at work (I almost posted a pic of tearful Mackenzie as Daddy got out of the van but it was way too sad!)
Then, we were off to the zoo.
Since the zoo is not a new experience for the girls we decided to add a school element. We took some world maps and mapped out where the animals were from. I couldn't believe how excited the girls were. They all really got into it..
... even Mackenzie.
For about the last two year whenever we pass this sign that gives the "special diet, please don't feed" info about the birds, Haleigh does this exact same thing. She MUST conduct an
orchestra standing on this rock every time! It is a hoot, she does it even if no one is paying a bit of attention. I wonder what they will think of that every day of zoo camp?!
Sophie insisted she was the endangered ocelot in this picture. (This is right before Haleigh fell out of the tree. She got right back up in it after just a short injury check and a few kisses. She decided she shouldn't try to swing like the monkeys.)
Hang around the zoo enough and you learn all kinds of secrets. One zoo keeper told us these chickens much prefer the clovers over the rye crackers you can purchase to feed the animals.
(Another zoo secret is that Joy the elephant will raise her trunk when commanded "trunk up Joy!")
So, today was an inspired impromptu day of fun! We are looking forward to many more summer adventures!!
The koala was one of Haleigh's favorites!
This iguana played chase with Mackenzie for quite a while.
The aquarium was beautiful! I am continually amazed at God's creature creations! 
This crab is not an illusion it is as big as it looks. Its body was easily bigger than Haleigh's head!
My favorite, by far, were the silver backs! They are amazing and huge yet seemed kid-like as they moved and interacted!!
We wrapped up the day watching the penguin feeding. It was a blast to watch how gracefully those penguins moved, even getting in and out of the water seemed like one smooth glide. (Mackenzie got tired of waiting for the event to start so she and Daddy explored some other areas.)
It was a sweet day, a very hot day, but a very sweet day!!
A 
Sophie is usually the one that floats into the wind tunnel with many frilly things to float in the "breeze."
