WIN a Week of Summer Camp at Little Ray's Reptile Zoo, #Ottawa, 6/25

Does this guy look familiar?

What about his crocodile (or is that an alligator)?

If not, you must have missed our giveaway in April for a Family Pack of tickets to Little Ray's Reptile Zoo.

If you did miss it, no worries because this time, you can win a...

Week for one child at Little Ray's Zoo Camp in Ottawa!

Journeys of The Zoo has been fortunate enough to participate in this giveaway with your HOST Canadian Blog and Co-hosts Ottawa Mommy Club ~ Shannon's View from Here ~ Tales of Mommyhood AND ~ Coffee with Julie.

Note that The Zoo has never been to Little Ray's so we'll let Sandi (from Canadian Blog House) let you know what it's all about.

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I love animals. As a child, I wanted to be a veterinarian when I grew up (this is written in one of my old school books). I never did make it to "vet school", however, my passion for animals remains the same. I especially love "critters", animals that make many people a little (or a lot!) squeamish. I adore mice, rats, chinchillas, hedgehogs...and chameleons. In fact, the first real chameleon I ever saw was at one of my favourite zoos - Little Ray's Reptile Zoo here in Ottawa, Canada. It was at Little Ray's where I got to see a chameleon out of its cage and being hand fed. I found it fascinating to watch. Let me tell you, their tongues move at lightning speed!

If you have ever been to Little Ray's Reptile Zoo, you'll know that one of their regular features is their feeding shows. These feeding shows allow the audience to sit up close and personal with various creatures, learn a bit about them, and watch them being fed. I've seen Little Ray's staff feed snakes, turtles, chameleons... and even alligators! To enhance the "animal experience", Little Ray's even encourages the audience members to touch (and sometimes hold!) the animals. This is where I (the arachnophobe ) got my first chance to hold a tarantula. This is one thing I thought I would NEVER do. You can read more about Little Ray's Reptile Zoo in my previous blog about them here.

Did you know that Little Ray's Reptile Zoo offers some fantastic programs and shows outside and away from their zoo?

One of these programs is their Little Ray's Zoo Camp.

In 2013, Little Ray's Zoo Camps are set to become their best camps ever. Kids attending the interactive camps will get a chance to learn about the care and maintenance of the animals, and so much more.

They will even get to learn about the plants and animals that live in the forests around Ottawa. For those of you living in the Ottawa area, but living far from the Little Ray's Reptile Zoo location, they have added a second camp in conjunction with Dovercourt Rec Centre and the Midway - centrally located in Westboro.

By the way, for those of you living in the Hamilton, Ontario region, you are in luck! Little Ray's Reptile Zoo has just opened it's newest zoo on June 8th in Hamilton. Be sure to visit them! They have an opening month special - $9.50 per person from June 8-July 15th.

What young child wouldn't love to spend a week learning all about great creatures and having the chance to interact with them? This camp sounds pretty fantastic to me! I wonder if Little Ray's would allow this "big kid" to sneak into the camp.

Connect with Little Ray via their Website, Facebook and Twitter.

Tweet Tell Your Friends about Little Ray's Giveaway.

Enter to WIN a
Week at Summer Camp Below!

Local Dandelion Festival is a Hit with The Kids {Event}

For the past three years, The Zoo has attended The Dandelion Festival. Held on the last weekend in May, it's North Grenville's premiere festival showcasing our rich artistic and musical talent.

A favourite with our family is always the Farmers Market, Big Sky Ranch (a local animal shelter), Volunteer Fire Department, storytelling at the library and buskers in the streets.

This year, the weather was cool and overcast but it didn't dampen our spirits!

Win Tickets to the #Ottawa Children's Festival {#Giveaway}, CAN, 5/26

The Ottawa Mommy Club is pleased to host the Ottawa International Children's Festival Giveaway!

With fabulous co-hosts Canadian Blog House, Shannon's View from Here, Journeys of the Zoo and Tales of Mommyhood.

At three years old, The Kids are still a bit too young for any of the programming, however, for kids five and over, it's jam packed with excitement with many performances in both official languages and you have a chance to experience a taste of it for yourself and,

Win tickets (4) to "Where The Wild Things Are" on Thursday, May 30 @ 7:00 pm.

The Ottawa International Children's Festival (OICF), the largest children’s festival in Ontario, is gearing up to celebrate its 28th year in the Capital, May 28-June 2, 2013 at Lebreton Flats Park and Canadian War Museum sites.

Each year the OICF proudly presents some of the finest visual and performance arts programming for young audiences. Thousands of area children, families and businesses come together to celebrate and take part in live performing arts that serves to surround young people with excellence in the arts community and to promote creativity, boundless imaginations and individual expression in children of all ages.

This year, the Festival proudly presents the finest visual and performance arts programming for young audiences.

Counties Shaped Like Stars, by Ottawa's Mi Casa Theatre, is making its debut at The Ottawa Children's Festival with a whimsical theatrical production featuring characters Gwendolyn Magnificent and Bartholomew Spectacular, as told through a tin-can telephone. The show has received race reviews and five-star designations from audience members and critics alike, performing across Canada and as far south as New Mexico.

The programming schedule for this show is as follows :
* Wednesday, May 29 @ 9:30 am – Atelier C&D Canadian War Museum (English)
* Thursday, May 30 @ 10:00 am – Atelier C&D Canadian War Museum (English)
* Friday, May 31 @ 9:30 am and 12:30 pm – Atelier C&D Canadian War Museum (English)
* Saturday, June 1 @ 1:00 pm – Atelier C&D Canadian War Museum (English)
* Sunday, June 2 @ 10:00 am – Atelier C&D Canadian War Museum (English)

The high-energy, Quebec-based Evolution of BBoying by Ottawa’s Mi Casa Theatre, featuring local choreographer/dancer Yvon ‘Crazy Smooth’ Soglo, explores street dance tradition in a modern performance setting. This show brings together 10 of Canada’s most talented dancers and performers in a piece that evokes the essential nature of street dance.

The programming schedule for this show is as follows :
* Wednesday, May 29 @ 1:00 pm - Tent 2 LeBreton Flats Park (Bilingual)
* Thursday, May 30 @ 9:15 am and 11:00 am - Tent 2 LeBreton Flats Park (Bilingual)
* Friday, May 31 @ 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm - Tent 2 LeBreton Flats Park (Bilingual)
* Saturday, June 1 @ 9:30 am and 12:00 pm – Tent 2 LeBreton Flats Park (Bilingual)
* Sunday, June 2 @ 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm - Tent 2 LeBreton Flats Park (Bilingual)

Denmark’s A Sonatina, by Gruppe 38 Europe’s oldest artistic creative, is a hysterical theatrical version of Little Red Riding Hood, featuring an un-cooperative live chicken and a newly laid egg. Highly original and tremendously imaginative, this performance is sure to be an audience favourite.

The programming schedule for this show is as follows :
* Wednesday, May 29 @ 9:30 am and 12:00 pm - Barney Danson Theatre – War Museum (English)
* Friday, May 31 @ 10:00 am, 12:30 pm and 7:00 pm - Barney Danson Theatre – War Museum (English)
* Saturday, June 1 @ 10:00 am and 12:00 pm - Barney Danson Theatre – War Museum (English)
* Sunday, June 2 @ 10:00 am - Barney Danson Theatre – War Museum (English)

The award-winning adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s Where The Wild Things Are is back by popular demand.

It is a whimsical, joyful piece of participatory theatre that will delight one and all.

Kim Selody brings our favourite characters to life in this Dora-nominated production. Get your tickets soon, this one sells out fast!

The programming schedule for this show is as follows :
* Thursday, May 30 @ 9:30 am, 12:30 pm and 7:00 pm – Barney Danson Theatre – War Museum (English)
* Saturday, June 1 @ 2:30 pm - Barney Danson Theatre – War Museum (English)
* Sunday, June 2 @ 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm - Barney Danson Theatre – War Museum (English)

Ghosts and Ladders, featuring acrobats and musicians combining music, movement and poetry. This show originating from Quebec, has audience members transported to an imaginative, engrossing world that won’t soon be forgotten.

The programming schedule for this show is as follows :
* Saturday, June 1 @ 1:00 pm – Tent 1 LeBreton Flats Park (English)
* Sunday, June 2 @ 11:00 am and 2:15 pm - Tent 1 LeBreton Flats Park (English)

Please refer to the Festival’s activities schedule for more activities.

Tickets for the Festival are $12.50 per person, or you can choose your three favourite shows by purchasing a 3-Show Package (any 3 shows) for $30.00 per person. Tickets can be purchased through the festival office by calling 613-241-0999, by visiting the office at 294 Albert Street, Suite 602, Ottawa (Mon-Fri, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm), through the Festival website or on-site at Lebreton Flats Park, between May 28 and June 2. These shows usually sell out, so please call early to avoid disappointment! For more information about the schedule or ticket information please visit the website at www.ottawachildrensfestival.ca or call (613) 241-0999.

Connect the with the Ottawa Childrens Festival via Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

Enter to WIN 4 Tickets Below!

Little Ray's Reptile Zoo and Animal Rescue {#Giveaway}, CAN, 4/15

Welcome to the
"Let's Go To The Zoo!" Giveaway!

Graciously hosted by Canadian Blog House,

and Co-Hosted By Several of my Ottawa Peers; Ottawa Mommy Club, Journeys Of The Zoo, Shannon's View From Here and Tales of Mommyhood.

We love Zoo's, trying new experiences and winning giveaways. That's why we wanted you to have the chance to win one of two Family Passes to Little Ray's Reptile Zoo valued at $54!

Little Ray's Reptile Zoo, located in Ottawa, Ontario, is a privately run zoo and animal rescue.

Little Ray's runs the largest and most diverse animal education and outreach program in Canada.

If you've never had the chance to experience Little Ray's Reptile Zoo and you love creatures of all kinds, you really need to check them out!

Little Ray's offers:

• A fun and educational Reptile Zoo (complete with "feeding shows"). On exhibit right now through April 25th "Nature's Ninja's".
• Birthday Parties ~ At the Zoo or at home
• School Shows
• Radical Science Workshops
• Traveling Shows ~ Don't live in the Ottawa area? Keep your eyes peeled ~ Coming soon to Moncton, NB and Hamilton, ON
• You can also see one of Little Ray's exhibits at a satellite location near you (see website for details).

In her review, Sandi from Canadian Blog House writes;

I love Little Ray's Reptile Zoo. I have visited their Ottawa location four times in the last year or so. My boyfriend introduced me to Little Ray's Reptile Zoo for the first time when we took his son there to see all the critters and creatures. I always have a great time checking out the animals at the zoo.

During our most recent visit in March, we got to see alligators and "Winky" the one-eyed African Bull Frog being fed. We even got to check out a pair of Lynx and a pair of Bald Eagles that had recently been taken in by the zoo.

That's something I love about Little Ray's Reptile Zoo ~ you just never know what you are going to see during your next visit to the zoo!

My most memorable visit to Little Ray's Reptile Zoo? That was the time that I actually held a tarantula (EEK!) in my hand. As someone who is terrified of spiders, I was proud of myself for facing one of my biggest fears. You know what? I have to say...that tarantula was kind of...GULP...cute!

Next time you are at Little Ray's Reptile Zoo, be sure to say hello to Paul if he is there. He's super friendly and can answer any questions you may have about the animals in his care.


Tell him that Sandy from Canadian Blog House sent you!

***Liking the following Facebook Pages would be appreciated, but not necessary to enter the giveaway***

Canadian Blog House | Ottawa Mommy Club | Journeys Of The Zoo | Shannon's View From Here | Tales Of Mommyhood | Little Ray's Reptile Zoo.

Enter below to Win 1 of 2 Family Passes to Little Ray's Reptile Zoo.

For Mom: Nordik Spa & Arbonne Beauty {Giveaway}, CAN, 3/31

In case you're not aware, Mother's Day is coming up.

Happens every year.

Considering everyone but "Dolly The Sheep" has a Mother, you really need to enter this great giveaway.

Trust me, your Mother deserves it!

Welcome to the Just for Mom Giveaway

hosted by the Ottawa Mommy Club

and co-hosted by Canadian Blog House, Journeys of the Zoo and Shannon's View from Here!

Enter to win a luxurious day at the Nordik Spa-Nature

in Old Chelsea, Québec

&

a Gift Basket with Arbonne Products!

Enjoy a unique experience in the heart of nature at Nordik Spa-Nature, now the largest spa in North America! Take the time to unwind and reenergize in one of our many nordic baths, 7 unique saunas, infinity pool, restaurant and lounge with terrace. Experience our new Källa treatment, the second salt-water floating pool in the world!

ACCESS TO THE NORDIC BATHS + KÄLLA TREATMENT

PACKAGE FOR 1

$114 VALUE

 

KÄLLA TREATMENT

Källa is a treatment which brings the body to a state of complete relaxation, thanks to its high Epsom salt concentration, reproducing the benefits of the Dead sea in a large 1200 ft2 pool.

Unique benefits: - Purifies body - Improve blood circulation - Accelerate wound healing - Stimulates creativity - Reduces stress - Releases physical and intellectual tensions - Reduces inflammation

You can follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

   

Enter to win an awesome stocking

filled with Arbonne Products!

 

Independent Arbonne Consultant, Meagan Sheridan, loves to educate and connect moms with healthier and safer products for the whole family!

All of Arbonne's products are botanically-based, vegan, guaranteed to work, ethically manufactured, and in eco-friendly packaging.

No harsh chemicals, no fillers; just long-lasting, safe, beneficial products.

Experience the Arbonne difference with Meagan. Contents of Prize:

• 1 Awaken Body Lotion - with lemon for vitality and coriander for happiness.
• 1 Awakend Sea Salt Scrub - sloughs away dead surface cells revealing brighter, healthier-looking skin. Great for hands, feet, discouloured skin, and shaving.
• 1 Unwind Sea Salt Scrub - The calming and soothing effects of a warm luxurious bath enhanced with the Unwind Bath Salts. These mineral-rich salts allow you to relax, let go and release pent-up tension. Recommended for all skin types.
• 1 Unwind Body Lotion - with chamomile for calmness and ylang-ylang for relaxation
• ...and a few surprises!

You can follow Meagan on Facebook!

WIN a Spa Treatment for Mom!

Ottawa Valley Fiber Arts Feature & Linky {Canadian}

Journeys of The Zoo’s "I Am Canadian" Feature for March is Ottawa Valley Fiber Arts.

What a pleasure to find such unique and renewable products available locally.

Please take a moment to read about Heather’s original company and inspiring initiatives and show her your support by leaving a comment and stopping by her blog all about...

Spinning. As in Wool (not Bikes).

If someone says their hobby is spinning, most people think they are talking about training on bikes in a gym. But Heather of Ottawa Valley Fiber Arts doesn't spin on bikes, she spins wool into yarn on a spinning wheel. Her kids thinks she's a little too crazy about sheep, but she enjoys playing with wool so much that she started a company!

Ottawa Valley Fiber Arts (OVFA) is located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Created in 2010 during a particularly difficult time in her day job, Heather found that building her passion in her spare time gave her more energy for everything else in her life. She started the Canadian Fiber Box project, which brings together different fiber producers and artists four times a year to subscribers across Canada. Canada has many fiber producers - from sheep to llamas and alpacas to bison and muskox. We also have many talented fiber artists who prepare and dye fiber for spinning. The Canadian Fiber Box lets folks "get to know Canadian fiber."

Current Works of Glass: Feature & Linky {Canadian}

Journeys of The Zoo is pleased to introduce you to the first "I Am Canadian" Linky and Feature Recipient...

 

Current Works of Glass!

Jennifer, the Owner of Current Works of Glass and I first "met" when we worked together on "The Great Canadian Blog Bash 2012" giveaway back in June. Her creativity and talent speaks for itself but it's her kindness that makes her stand out. From the very beginning she has been a huge support in my blogging endeavours and even created a pendant just for me (pictured below). It turns out that we only live one hour from each other. Small World.

Seeing as Jennifer is the professionally trained artist, I will allow her to describe what makes her tick in her own words...

I love creating jewelry as it is like little art sculptures that make people smile. I get the same satisfaction from a unique necklace as from one of my bigger sculptures. Going between jewelry and glass sculpture keeps my mind focused on the smallest detail and the overall mood of every piece.

The dance of light and glass is a reminder of sunlight on water. My work tends to focus on optimism with a nod to the struggles of humans and nature. This is glass work that is contemporary and original; all designs and patterns are my own creation. No two pieces are ever the same as my creativity comes from my admiration for the unique and fresh.

I am happiest singing in my studio while cutting glass and creating new designs from my imagination. Following my passion makes me smile. When people like what I create it makes me smile even more.

Recently, Current Works was placed on the prestigious "Crown and Pumpkin Studio Tour" taking place Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend in Clayton, Blakeney, and Almonte Mississippi Mills. Detailed information is available on their site (see Step 4b). Or, stay updated on this and two upcoming events (in November) by liking Current Works Facebook Page.

As mentioned, I am the fortunate owner of one of Jennifer's pieces of art. As luck would have it, the necklace arrived the morning that we were leaving for our annual summer camping trip in Algonquin Park (post to follow shortly).

When she originally asked me what colour I wanted, I told her to surprize me and she sure did, by reading my mind! My favourite colours are yellow, orange and red and my passion for the outdoors began when I was a child. So you can imagine how pleased I was to find that this was all mine.

I put it on right away but thought that I wouldn't keep it on because it would bother me or I would fear that it would get damaged. That time never came as I didn't even realize that I was wearing it until the compliments started rolling in...

The fused glass pendant comes on a silver plate bail with a ribbon and raffia necklace and each one is initialled on the back. Note that Jennifer sent me two necklaces so that I could switch things up depending on the occasion. Red for day, Black for night or the other way around?

Be sure to visit the Current Works of Glass Etsy Shop for details and

Support Canadian!

And just because it's September, one of you will be the lucky winner of a glass pendent by Jennifer.

Watch for the giveaway post tomorrow, Thursday, September 13!

Don't forget to contact me regarding YOUR Feature. Read this post or click the "I Am Canadian" logo in my left sidebar for additional information.

And Now for The "I Am Canadian" Linky...

If you are Canadian or have a Canadian Product, Cause, Blog, or other Canadian related item, then you are officially invited to add yourself to this Linky. Please leave a comment or email me (journeysofthezoo at hotmail dot com) if you have any questions.

• URL. Please enter the direct link that you would like people to go to. I put "http://www.journeysofthezoo.com"
  
• Name. Please add your Blog, Company, Cause name. You do NOT need to enter your real name. I put "Journeys of The Zoo".
  
• Email. Note that your email will not be displayed nor will it be shared with anyone.

If you notice a link that was entered in error (for example, not a Canadian or not Family Friendly), please let me know.

Note that this Linky is not intended as a Giveaway Linky. While you are free to link up once and can link to a giveaway, I would appreciate it if you added all your giveaways to my Weekly Facebook Giveaway Wall, Tuesday, September 11 to Monday, September 17. All welcome. No limit. No invite. Must be Family Friendly and Open to Canadians. Just look for the post!

Besos, The Zoo

Don't Bother Knocking, No Vacancies Here

The "Zoo Hotel" has been at full capacity for two weeks. It all started when Poppa arrived on May 15. During his visit, we went hiking,

dove into mud piles,

ate handfuls of dirt,

picked Dandelions (this activity is never ending),

planted the Garden,
Before

and after.

On the Friday, Poppa left in the morning and Uncle Andrew and Kevin arrived in the afternoon for the "Second Annual Men's Long Work Weekend".

As usual, we got tons of work done. Most importantly, (in my opinion and seeing that I'm the author of this blog, what I say goes), the boys spent all of Sunday "preparing my new craft closet". I'm sure you're thinking, what prep work is required for a craft closet besides removing the clothes, installing a table and hanging some shelves. This is The Zoo you know so nothing is quite what it seems.

First off, they had to remove the old wood stove chimney (the woodstove was removed from the basement as one of last years's work weekend projects). In doing so, they had to patch up the roof. In order to do this, they needed some matching shingles. Seeing as we didn't have any of these, they needed to remove several from another of our outbuildings. In doing so, they figured that they'd just choose to put a hole in that roof (seeing as they didn't have any shingles to replace those shingles) and install a whirlydig. After repairing all the rooves (google that one) they came inside to continue with the prep. They started with fixing the hole in the basement floor (where the fire bricks had been inset into the floor. They then fixed two ceilings and a floor. Not wanting to do things half "as good", they removed the existing asbestos tiles and replaced them with matching wood flooring (that the previous owner left behind). Here's a before picture (note that the chimney has been removed but you can see the hole in the floor). I'll post an after picture when all is said and done.

I have to admit that I don't have any pictures of people from the long weekend. I have some before and after pictures because blog post content comes before family portraits. Priorities people. I know that Kevin took some, including a video of Max running after the soccer ball (a favourite activity).

The boys left on holiday Monday and Nanna arrived in the morning on Tuesday. I think that I forgot to mention that Ed was in Edmonton (on business).

As of May 22, 2012 (seven days since planting), you can clearly see the radishes and beets peaking out, two bean plants (not sure if they're the ones that I dried out the seeds from last years crop of green beans or the yellow wax beans that I just bought) and lettuce or spinach. I'm not organized enough to have row markers (although I have great plans) but I have a system, plant things in alphabetical order; beans, beets, lettuce, onions, spinach. That was until I decided (after the fact) to plant radishes, red peppers and something else in my spare offset rows... I guess it won't matter in another week or two. I am so excited I can hardly stand it.

On Tuesday, we went out for lunch and did some errands. Thankfully, the kids were better behaved than for Uncle Eric's birthday party.

On Sunday, May 27, Rene and Sidney came for Pancake breakfast and then we all went to the Dandelion Festival. We caught an interactive puppet show (some of the puppets were human, they spoke a ton of French) and visited with the animals from the Sunny Acres Barnyard Zoo (in Spencerville). The kids loved petting and holding the rabbits and guinea pigs.

In the evening, Uncle Fred came for a leg of lamb dinner (one of my favourites!) so we got out Nanna's and my Nanna's jewellery box and got dressed up for the occasion.

And this morning, Nanna left for the cottage and the kids did some interior decorating. I knew that they were too quiet...

The Joys of Being Two Years Old!

  Besos, The Zoo

Kraft and You can Help Food Banks like House of Lazarus

Kraft Foods is supporting local food banks across Canada this holiday season. From November 3, 2011 to January 31, 2012, they are donating $1 (PER DAY, PER PERSON) to each person that enters their name.

One of the Food Banks on their support list is our local food bank the House of Lazarus.

This registered not-for-profit Canadian charity is a community outreach mission that offers food, clothing and pastoral care to those in need. Their Thrift Shop (for clothing) and Household Goods Shops are open to the public and The Zoo has been a weekly fixture for several years now.

We opened our doors in 1986 in Dundela to offer some relief to those experiencing poverty in the surrounding communities. In October 2000, we moved to our current location in Mountain, Ontario.

Our funding sources include; The United Church of Canada, Household Goods and Thrift Shop, Thoughtful Contributors, Caring Partners, Generous Donors and Recycling Programs (Electronics, Clothing, and Metal).​

Kraft has already given away $33,860 (out of $50,000) so enter your name, EVERY DAY and help my small town (population 32 horses, 53 sheep and 12 people) get some more of the pie.

Important Note. Once they reach the $50,000, DON'T stop voting. The food bank with the most votes receives an extra $10,000!

Tiz the season to give, especially when it costs you nothing. Thanks for your support.

Connect with the House of Lazarus via their Website or Facebook Page.

Have you Voted for the House of Lazarus?

Note that this campaign has ended and Kraft has removed the voting links on their website.

  Besos, The Zoo

Tons of Events Going on in The Boonies

Yesterday afternoon, for the first time, we attended the Dandelion Festival.

There was a lot to see; the opening of the new library, face painting, train taking kids around town, buskers, folk dancing, singing and playing, rock stage, art exhibits, food and drink to name a few.

We went because we wanted to see the Reptile Exhibit but they changed the time and date on us (to today) so we missed it. The kids couldn't have cared less. Max enjoyed chasing the bubbles that I made (I brought them with me) and Artemis spent her time cleaning up the area (read: picking up cigarette butts off the ground, her Mommy is so proud...). Sorry, no pictures (we forgot).

Today, we went over to Cousin Ethan's house for a BBQ. The adults ate; barbequed chicken breast with an assortment of 37 bbq sauce flavours (okay I'm slightly exaggerating but not by much), potato salad, spinach salad with raisins, tomatoes and walnuts (yum), fresh homemade bread with balsamic/oil dip, many different beverages (Christina has this really cool Keurig coffee machine). The day ended with Lemon Swirl Cheesecake. Once again, we forgot to take pictures. Next time for sure (no excuses) because Christina got a new Nikon D3000 camera. The kids tested out each others toys while the parents ran around and further baby proofed the house. Thanks for having us!

On the way home from Christina's, Ed noticed this "Clubhouse Swingset" (made by Little Tikes) disassembled and hidden in the front bushes of someone's house. I went in to ask about it and sure enough, they'd just put it out (a few hours earlier) and it was FREE. Their grandkids had outgrown it and hardly ever used it. Hopefully Ed can replace the bucket swings for our infant swings. Once he's through with it, it will look new. Score.

We spoke to Poppa and he is coming for a visit on Wednesday. Followed by Nanna's visit on June 8 (wow, it's almost June!?). We can hardly wait!

We are still accepting Haiku poems. Here's another one to get/keep your creative juices flowing. By the way, feel free to submit more than one (but at least submit one).

This Blog turned one
It has been a super year
Here's to many more

Have any Haikus of Your Own?

  Besos, The Zoo