My best friend from childhood (Jana) is a 4th grade teacher, and this week is her spring break. So, she and her cutie-patootie son Dominik came down for a trip to the zoo this morning!

Although it is a tad bit crazy with five kids and only two mommies, we had a fun time walking around and looking at the animals. Since it’s still March, some of the exhibits didn’t have all the animals in them. Some of the monkeys were missing, and the camels weren’t there, and a bunch of animals were missing from the African exhibit. What, African animals aren’t used to snow?

After touring the zoo, we had a picnic together. And then it was clear that nap time was near (do you like that rhyme?), so we parted ways.

It was a good day, even though we didn’t have much time to chat without being interrupted. And I succumbed to my own silly desires and bought a zoo membership. (Instead of paying $9.50 for today, which is a reduced rate for the springtime, I paid $58 for a whole year.) I have a little case of buyer’s remorse, but I’m hoping we’ll get good use out of it this spring/summer/fall.

I realize that this post is a little scattered. I’m really in need of a nap, but instead I’m going to go wrap Caleb’s presents. We are celebrating his birthday tonight, a day early, so that we can participate in Maundy Thursday services at our church tomorrow. More on that later.

Here are some more pictures from our day…

Ava near the otters.

Caleb near the bears.

A funny chimpanzee.

Rumley kids in the aquarium.

Caleb with the yummy cupcakes we ate in honor of his birthday.

Jaden – ready for naptime!