Tree Climbers

Back in August, we all spent the afternoon at my parents home, enjoying dinner and of course wonderful company.  There is a tree in their yard that defines my childhood.  I lived in this thing.  I loved it as The Boy in The Giving Tree.  Twenty-some years later and the tree is still standing, sure she is missing a few limbs that I would dangle off of and use to hoist myself higher and higher in her boughs, but she is still lovely.  And the kids are drawn to her just as I was.  

Isn't she lovely....

I can not stop looking at this large picture of Jackson.  He looks so very, very much like Scott did as a boy.  The older Jackson is becoming, the more and more like his Daddy he is looking.  It really is neat.  

These little ones are growing at a rapid rate, and I want it to stop.  I'm so not ready.  

The Akron Zoo

Last Thursday Jackson and I went to the Akron Zoo with Anna, Sophie and Auntie Bon Bon. The Stengers have never been there before and we hadn't been there since last year so it was pretty much new for everyone.

This is a GREAT little zoo, so if you have never been there, please go!  It only takes about 2 hours to work your way through the whole thing and the best part- NO CONSTRUCTION!  (Although I doubt Jackson would agree with that statement.  He likes the construction as much as the animals.  haha.  But as for me, it makes for a much more relaxing visit, not needing to worry about detours and stuff.

There is an amazing jellyfish exhibit which is worth going to see if nothing else.  The top picture, Anna is pointing to these guys that were as big as a dime!  I didn't know jellyfish could be to tiny!  The picture right below were some of our favorites.  they were super fast and really silly looking in how they moved.  Everyone got a kick out of them.  I am sorry that my pictures of the jellyfish didn't come out better, but you need to go see them yourself anyways.  So beautiful!

The zoo is designed in a very forest-like way.  You wander through the woods happening upon each animal.  It is very beautiful and SO tranquil.  I think it only reached 82 degrees, and along with the nice breeze and the shade from all the tress it was an absolute perfect day for a trip to the zoo.

One thing I love best about this zoo (aside from my Cleveland Zoo Pass working here too!) is how the animals are super close to you.  They are all behind plexiglass, so you can literally get nose to nose with the tigers, bears, penguins (all our favorites!) etc.  Makes you see the animals in a whole new way.

Me and Bonnie entertaining ourselves while the kids were riding the train :)

Pretty Anna

Auntie Bon Bon and Sophie showing their best smiles

Jackson was loving these little animals that looked like a cross between an otter and a raccoon.  They were super playful and made all the kids laugh at their antics. 

The kids get to actually go into a display to search for turtles  and see with it is like for people to look at them like animals at the zoo.

In the back part of the zoo there are the most beautiful gardens with paths that weave around like a maze.    The kids loved running through them and seeing what was hiding at every turn.  

After the zoo, Anna came over to our house for a sleepover party. It was such a fun night filled with perogies for dinner and a trip to Borders.  And the next day Jackson, Anna and I went to the library, playground and then McDonalds for lunch.  Anna is growing up into such a little lady.  I had a wonderful time spending so much one on one time with her.  I feel like I don't get to do that enough.  Jackson liked that he didn't have to share his "Most Special" with anyone else.  It was a nice treat for everyone.  Next time it will be Sophie's turn!