Spring Break!

Last week was my Spring Break, so Ryan took Thursday and Friday off work to spend some extra time with Gracie and I.  We had an absolute blast, especially with the unseasonably warm weather on Thursday and Friday.  The highlights for me included a trip to the zoo, a new swing set, and a date night for Ryan and I.

We've been planning to buy a swing set for the backyard for a while now.  Gracie is old enough to really enjoy sliding, swinging, and sitting in the glider.  With the warm weather last week, we just couldn't resist the opportunity to get started!  We spent Thursday morning shopping around and measuring, then during Gracie's nap, Ryan went to pick up our final choice.  We chose this model from Kmart.  It suited our needs (lots of kids in the family!) and our budget perfectly!  Thursday after nap, we all (Gracie included) worked together to begin assembly.  Believe it or not, Gracie was a big helper in the process.  It was great to be outside and work together.  We didn't finish until Friday afternoon, but let me tell you, the swing set is a big hit!  Unfortunately, the weather hasn't cooperated the past couple of days, so we haven't gotten outside to play on it again.  And another piece of bad news, I think I was too 'in the moment' to snap any pictures of our swing set adventure.  I promise to get some the next time it's nice out!

As for our trip to the zoo, it was probably the most fun (outside of camping) that we've had as a family! Don't get me wrong, we do lots of fun things, but our day at the zoo was just the best!  When we arrived on Friday morning, it looked like everyone in the city had the same idea we did... lines snaking through the parking lot.  I was a bit discouraged, thinking we'd spend most of our time waiting to get in.  But I was wrong, the lines moved quickly and before we knew it, we were checking out the polar bears.  Amazing!  It was pretty hilarious trying to get Gracie to see the animals though.  Sometimes they were right in our faces, like the polar bears swimming behind the glass.  And she had the hardest time figuring out what we were pointing at.  But it was always clear when she finally found the animal... like a light bulb going off and huge smile!

We wandered through Africa, seeing elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, turtles, african hunting dogs (I mean, puppies!), goats, and several others.  The weather was beautiful and Gracie was very content.  She walked and rode in the stroller, just taking in the sights and sounds.  We packed snacks and drinks to keep everyone satisfied.  We saw several families with picnic lunches throughout the zoo, and I definitely think we'll try that next time we go.  We purchased a Friends of the Zoo Pass for $70, which includes admission to the zoo and unlimited train, tram, and carousel rides for a year.  It's really a steal, as long as you plan to go at least 3 more times.  We had so much fun, I know we'll make it a regular family outing.  I think Gracie and I will head out often this summer... it's good exercise and something that she really enjoys!

I was able to snap some pictures on our trip to the zoo.  Although I'm not a typical photographer when it comes to the zoo.  I'm not so interested in pictures of random animals... that's what Google is for!  I just take pictures of people!

Big smile from my big girl!

"I can't find him!" about the elephants!  

Daddy's girl

Momma's girl

Looking for African Goats

Enjoying the view

My two loves!

I couldn't resist this picture!
Here's what happens when you tell Gracie to "smile"!
Totally cracks me up!

Friday evening, after the zoo, Ryan and I went out for dinner and a movie.  We had a Groupon for one of our most favorite restaurants, Piropos.  And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!  We kind of completely overate.  Appetizer: empanadas, crab cakes. Dinner: me: tomato basil soup, stuffed chicken, mushroom risotto, and veggies. Ryan: seafood chowder, beef short ribs, veggie kabob, and some type of carb... can't remember.  It was so, so yummy!  Afterward we went to see Identity Thief, which was good.  It was the first movie we've seen since the Smurfs when Gracie was like 5 months old.  And we paid $10 per ticket, which is absolutely insane, in my thrifty opinion.  I told Ryan we could buy the DVD for that price.  But whatever?!  We don't go that often... wonder why?

Our little 4 day family weekend was so fun!  Gracie has definitely grown out of being a 'baby' so family outings are becoming so fun!  Before, we took her to fun things, but it was more for us than for us.  Now, our fun times are all also fun for her!  I often think about my first memories as a child... I think was about 3 years old when I starting remembering experiences.  I know she won't remember this long weekend, but I won't forget assembling the swing set and her first trip to the zoo!  I'm so thankful for these moments together.