Vacation: Day 3

The continuing story of the Sass/Foels/Davis/Baade Family Reunion . . . .

Monday was Zoo day!  It was another warm (right around 100 degrees again) in Des Moines day but heat doesn't seem to bother the kiddos and they wanted to see the Zoo.  When we found the camels they all wanted to ride.  First up was Jer and Jackson.  They became the best of friends over the weekend.  They didn't even hesitate in climbing on the camel and away they went!!!  More to follow. 

I am fascinated with giraffe.  I don't really know why but was real glad that Blank Park Zoo has some.  This is one of the babies.  Aren't they adorable??? 

 We saw part of the sea lion show and the then found the underground passage where you could watch them swim and play.  Jer found a baby seal willing to play with him and Jackson.  The baby followed the piece of grass that Jer moved around on the glass.

 Told you everybody got a ride.  This was Barb and Charlotte's turn.  The only one of the little ones that didn't ride the camel was Oliver . . . and he was sleeping.

 Everybody rode the train that day too.  Here's Barb and Charlotte ready to go!!!

Beth and Jackson were ready to ride!!!

We're back in the Children's Zoo and the brothers are checking out the goats.  This is one of Charlotte's favorite places to go.  She loves feeding the goats.

 Charlotte was more than happy to show Tristan and Karsten how to feed the goats.  Barb bought goat and fish food for all.  And they all had a great time feeding the animals.

Charlotte found a little goat to feed.  

Tristan and Karsten are ready to ride, or at least Tristan is!  All the little ones (and a couple of bigger ones) got ride, except Oliver . . . he took a nap.

 Getting ready to feed the fish.  This is the windup pitch!!!

We went through the Discovery Center at the Zoo and Tristan got the best seat in the house.  He didn't stay in it long but he's enjoying it here! 

 Barbie with her favorite little person -- Oliver.  Getting ready to board the train.

Charlotte and Barb are ready to go!!  Hang on there Charlotte! 

 Jer and Jackson say 'hey'!!!!

 Saddle up!!!

Ready to feed the fishes!!! 

Up close and personal!!

Let's get this train on the rails and ride!!!!

We were checking out the 'big' cats at the Zoo when the boys found this truck.  They all wanted to drive (of course).  Tristan must have won this round cuz he's heading for the steering wheel!

Tristan feeding a goat!  Doesn't that look like fun??

Jackson's turn at the wheel.  Notice Tristan is leaving the truck!!!

 Jer's waving good-bye to Grandpa!!

We watched a short show with the sea lions and then headed underground to play with the baby seals.  Jer had one following the stick that he had in his hand.  Cool!

 The new 'kid' in the zoo.  Think his name is Jackson!!!

 It was a very hot day and after eating hot dogs and french fries, the boys decided they needed a treat!  Push-up for Jackson and a big blue drink for Jer.

Jackson's turn to feed a goat.  I have yet to figure out how the goat gets his head back into the cage, but they must, cuz I didn't see any just hanging there!!!

 I really was there and this proves it.  My sister and I on the train!

Sandie and Jer feeding the giraffe!  Aren't they cool???

 

As usual there's no reason to my pictures, but just the way I download them.  It was a fun day at the Zoo.  We left around noon, did a little shopping and then headed back to the hotel and the pool.  Beth, Karsten, Jackson and Tristan joined Mandy for a photo shoot!  They were pleased when they joined us at the pool.  Can't wait to see the pictures. 

More later . . . .

It's Monday

Well it's Monday again.  Time to get back to work!  I still haven't finished putting all my pictures on the blog.  I did start another blog, but it doesn't look very nice, so will continue with this one for now.  I do have the pictures all picked out for this but just haven't taken the time to do it.

It's one of those days.  I really am beginning to believe that my computer at work just absolutely hates me!  We lost our Internet on Friday, it's back today.  I'm working on our employee newsletter and having a terrible time getting pictures put into my text.  I just keep plugging away, but it gets so frustrating when it doesn't work the way I think it should. 

I've finally gotten back to scrapping again.  I have all those beautiful pictures from vacation to do.  I'm up to the Zoo in the book I'm doing for Beth.  She gets the first one.  It was her idea to go to Des Moines and get the families together.  It was a great idea!  It was nice having everyone together.  We missed Nick and maybe another time all of us can be together and take pictures of families!!!!  I so wanted a picture of my sister, brother and myself, but we never got around to those kind of pictures.

Scrapping is my out from the world.  July was a very emotional month for me and the rest of my family.  When Jim called and said they had lost the babies, I truly wasn't sure how to react.  Lots of tears, lots of time of reflection.  I so wanted to be a grandmother of twins!!!  God works in mysterious ways and I know in my heart that this was his plan, but it's kinda hard to take sometimes God.  I haven't spoken to my kids since all this happened.  They have pretty much kept to themselves.  They've been doing things with their children and sharing some pictures with us all.  I appreciate that very much. 

I can still remember when Jer was killed in an accident.  I spent some time with my brother.  We didn't talk much (hardly at all) but it was just a comfort to be with him during that time.  Lots of tears at that time too.  Life goes on, even though sometimes we wonder why.

I so want to spend some time with Jim & Mandy and family, but guess now isn't the time.  I'm in Des Moines later this week for a meeting.  Jim's birthday is soon, so will leave something for him and the kiddos at Barb's place.  I'm seriously thinking of staying over Thursday night, doing some shopping in Ankeny (my favorite scrapbook store is there) and then head home on Friday afternoon.  It will on depend on what's happening at work and just how I feel about everything.  I finally have gotten back on all my meds (hope that helps).  

Well I best get back at doing something or another.  Will get pictures up soon.  That's what makes a blog so cool . . . pictures.