summertime

In the midst of having a newborn and going through a remodel I have found much of our time is spent packing, organizing and running to Target, Lowes or Home Depot to purchase needed house supplies. At the end of the day I often feel like it's been boring or uneventful...leaving little time for the usual fun summer activities we like to do. 

I don't think we need to over schedule kids. I think it's important to have time to just be, to explore in the backyard, quietly play with toys, make arts and crafts or just get a little bored which leads to more creativity. But, I also crave that outdoor time. Those special activities or day trips or fun events. It's those moments that I tend to remember at the end of the summer.

Luckily, life hasn't been that boring for the kids. We've actually been able to get out and do quite a bit. 

The other day I visited my office at work to show off baby Simon and let the kids see where I work. Since we were out in Monroe I thought going to a park and having a picnic lunch might be fun. Somehow the kids convinced me to take them to the Reptile Zoo first. I drive past this place a few times a day when I'm out visiting new moms but have never ventured inside. Carter has been wanting to go for a while so I caved, paid the $20 and prayed to Jesus I would survive this mysterious land of snakes, alligators and lizards. 

Upon arriving I realized it smelled horrible. Because of the need for warm, moist habitats the place smelled like old, wet feet. So gross. 5 minutes later I had adjusted and was instead focusing on the giant poisonous snakes that were around every corner.

 The kids LOVED it. They ran around seeking every little lizard, bug and snake they could find.

 Then came the giant ones. A huge turtle and a giant python!

 Let's not forget the super scary alligator. Eek!

After about 20 minutes of wandering around the employee announced it was "Snake Handling Time!" Oh great. Apparently it's a time to sit in these chairs, about 3 feet from 9 different snake cages as she slowly takes out each and every snake to let small children hold on their own while she then turns her back to go get another one. Umm, no thanks. 

I tried to keep my cool, since I didn't want my kids to see my fear or anxiety. Carter surprisingly felt the same way. Yes, the kid who has killed 2 snakes in our backyard was suddenly too nervous to hold or touch one. But, Lucy bravely raised her hand and specifically asked for a large snake so she could hang it around her neck! What?!? My sweet little girl who screams when she sees an itty, bitty ant outside? Yes. Crazy girl.

 Once the snakes were all safely back in their cages they pulled out this iguana. Apparently it likes to snap at little fingers so why not just pick it up and let small children stand in line to pet it?!? Again, Carter declined but Lucy waited patiently in line for her turn. Love her fearlessness!

 We safely made it out of the reptile zoo, washed our hands with a ton of soap and headed to the park for some lunch and play time. Lucy, again surprised me. She decided to be in charge of the merry go round and run crazily around in circles spinning Carter.

 Another day we decided to visit Point Defiance Zoo. We hadn't been in a few years since we usually go to Woodland Park, which is closer to our house. They have a great kid zone area that the kids love.

 We spent some time feeding the hungry goats.

 And no zoo trip would be complete without riding a camel!

 And another day we visited Wallace Creek Swamp Park for a play date with some friends. This little creek is just 5 minutes away from our house but feels like such a getaway when you are tucked back in the trails with beautiful trees surrounding you on all sides.

 It's such a great place to explore, let the kids get a little wet and cool down on a hot summer day.

 Finally, out last recent adventure was a trip to the dentist. And these kids were AMAZING! They love visiting the dentist, watching movies, getting stickers and new toothbrushes. And most importantly....no cavities!!

So in my quest to provide my kids with a fun, eventful, memorable summer I guess I'm succeeding.  Life isn't so boring after all.  :)