The Philadelphia Zoo

 This post really belongs back in June, because that is when it happened.  I only just recently uploaded my phone photos to the computer.  Back in June, we went as an extended family to the Philadelphia Zoo.  We couldn't have asked for a prettier day.  It was warm and breezy.  The zoo provided plenty of shade and was decorated periodically with colorful murals.  I was just really impressed with this zoo and here's a few reasons why:

 1.  They had statues....everywhere. They had iron and painted statues in multiple spots around the zoo.  The statue of a lioness with an arrow through her heart with the male lion hovering protectively over her, while two small cubs snuggled close to their dying mother was sortof haunting.  It also made one reflect on the beauty and value of wildlife. Below, Dylan, his Aunt Alicia and his Grandpa pose next to a statue of Dyan's favorite mammal--the Elephant.

2. The Lorikeets: They had a lorikeet feeding station.  The kids enjoyed feeding these brightly colored birds nectar and learned about their feeding habits from the lasses manning the station.

 3. More Variety of Reptiles:  The Pittsburgh zoo is near and dear to our hearts, however, we have about 5 species of rattlesnakes and one alligator.  The Philadelphia zoo has a wider variety of reptiles and amphibians including crocodiles, anacondas, a pancake tortoise and cobras (even a King Cobra not pictured here).  Ain't she a beaut?

4. The Endangered Species House:  They have an entire exhibit specifically for various endangered animal species.  To aid their animals in remaining as wild as possible, they do not just place the food in the exhibit areas, rather, they put the food in boxes ( like an old canned soda box) and fill it with paper so the animals are stimulated to "hunt" for their food in some capacity.  There are also intelligent people stationed around the zoo to explain these things to their visitors.

5. The Catwalks: There are these catwalks and monkey walks all over the zoo to provide their animals with more exercise.  It was pretty thrilling to see the tiger strolling overhead.

6. Camelrides:   Self explanitory.

7.  Swan Paddle-Boats:  This was a fun accessory to the zoo.  Paddle-boating with the fowl in the lake in a boat that resembles a swan.   The boys really enjoyed this "first boating" outing.

8. This thing......

..... which turned out to be a peacock wooing a female.  He was a determined peacock and let the world see his little butt-shake dance.  It literally was the highlight of my day. Thank you Philadelphia Zoo for the new experience!

9. Hippos: They had a few hippos.  And we love hippos.

10.  The Carasel: They had the most beautifully painted carasel.  It was seriously one of the prettiest I have ever seen.  This picture doesn't do it justice. I am just too lazy to go back into my pictures and rotate the rest of them so they will load properly into this blog.

So those are ten reasons why this zoo was pretty amazing.  As a sidenote, I have never seen a zoo with so many childrens attractions.  In addition to paddleboats they had pony and train rides.  If you were a zoo member (like my mother, who incidently put her grandchildren on her membership) all the accessories (boat rides, animal rides, train rides, lorikeet feeding)  are included in the visit for free!

Happy 4th of July!

 This Independence Day I found myself thinking about one of my ancestors, Richard Stockton (we are directly descended through a brother of Richard Stockton), who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence.  Richard lost all his material wealth and posessions due to his commitment to freedom.   He was the only signer to be clapped in irons and imprisoned for the sole transgression of being a signer.  He lost his health while imprisoned and nearly died.  This Independence day, I found some more information about him and reflected on the cost of freedom.  I felt very grateful for all of those men and women in years past, present and future who have contritubted or fought for our freedom.   /http://www.dsdi1776.com/signers-by-state/richard-stockton/

To celebrate, this year, we went downtown and watched the Regatta briefly.  There were several free events like facepainting.  

And an impressive sand sculpture. 

But my most favorite was the re-enactment demonstrators near the Ft. Pitt Museum.   My children decided to enlist in the Revolutionary war. 

 There they are, signing their lives away.  My brave lads.

Then they received training in the infantry.  

 And checked out their new living quarters.  Ryan thought this was an enormous tent (HAhaha).

Finally, they learned how to fire the cannon.  They were a little slow on their timing, only able to fire it once in a minute.  With practice they should be able to fire the cannon six times in one minute. 

Later that night, after a brief rest and some delicious grilled food, we enjoyed the fireworks. 

Happy Independence Day!

Westward HO

Last week, I was so excited to be able to go to a reunion with my brother and his wife, hosted by my grandparents who live in Arizona.   My brother is a marine who is currently serving in Japan. It has been two years since we have seen them.  My mother and one of my sisters was able to come as well.   My sweet husband watched the kids for five days so I could take this trip.

The flight was relaxing from start to finish (thanks to having a direct flight both ways).  On the way to Phoenix Sky Harbor, I had plenty of time to browse at the airport bookstore.  I selected a nice classic western to read on the four hour flight and just enjoyed the flight.  That night, myself my mother and my sister arrived in Phoenix.  The next day, we met my brother and his wife at the airport.  It was so good to see them walk down the ramp.

The next several days were just beautiful and relaxing.   The heat in the desert felt like a beautiful warm hug.    It was between 100-110 degrees, but as the cliche goes, "it's a dry heat!"  One morning, we departed at six a.m. (the sun was risen) to climb Piestewa Peak.  This has been a tradition that goes far back into our childhoods.

 The only picture I have of Jason climbing because he is always so much faster than the rest of us.

I did not make it to the top this time.  But that's ok.  The view was still pretty awesome.   

There was plenty of time spent in the pool cooling off each day.  It was so nice to wade into the water and not have the initial "cold" shock.  It made me remember how much I love swimming.  

 Another day, on Jason's request, we went to ABC Bistro (Amy's Bakery) from the show Kitchen Nightmares.  Jason wanted to go antagonize Amy.  Mom said she would go and order coffee and desert.  Feeling a little weird about it, a group of us went.  There was no need to worry about Jason antagonizing Amy and getting thrown out  though.  This sign was posted on the door:

Instead, we went next door to a juicing shop called Grab a Green.  I had never heard of this place before.  It was really impressive. Everything was 100% organic and juiced in front of you.  They had an wide menu selection and pretty much everything in the store looked and smelled amazing.  Here is a link to their store:  http://grabbagreen.com/.

  I got a breakfast smoothie and it was extremely delicious.  A cup was $7.00, however, the cup was very large and everything was fresh.  I would certainly go again! 

My grandpa took us out for dinner several times and that was a special treat as well.  

It was nice to play dress-up and go out to eat at a fancy Italian restaurant.  The food was amazing.  My mouth is watering just remembering. 

On the last morning of our visit before leaving for the airport, I went for a walk down a little desert trail with my sister. 

 We enjoyed the beauty of Arizona (as well as the rising heat).

 I played with my camera some.

And I got a clear shot of Camelback mountain. 

Then we said our goodbyes and went our seperate ways. 

On the flight back, I enjoyed a most beautiful sunset in the air. 

It was such a restful and enjoyable trip.  I am so glad to have seen Jason and Becky again.  It will be at least another year before they are able to move home.   Thank you to my Grandpa and Grandma who hosted this little reunion.   I feel refreshed and ready (well ok, "ready" is sort of arguable) to go back to cleaning the house, cooking meals and nurturing two sweet little boys.