Back again!

We are home again after a great "vacation" up north.  It wasn't exactly a vacation for John, since he had to be in class most of the time, but it was a super fun time for me and the kids.  I felt that I simply got to enjoy them this past week, without the distractions of everyday housework.  Not to mention that breakfast, lunch, and dinner were completely taken care of for the week...that part was great!

I bought William a new puzzle, just for the hotel.  He actually found it at home, before we got to the hotel and begged to put it together, but I resisted.  He was thrilled for a new puzzle to do once we finally got to the hotel.  Let's just say it was a matter of minutes before he had it mastered.  Shoot!  Must get more difficult puzzles.  This kid is a whiz at them.

The first day I took the kids to a large outlet/regular mall.  They had every store one could think of - from Nieman Marcus to Sprockets to Zales Outlet.  It was fun wandering around window shopping.

The second day I took them to Happy Hollow Park and Zoo.  What a great place for young kids!  Not sure I'd bring kids much older than 6, but it was perfect for our two.  I got William to pose on this capybara...then he suddenly realized it was quite hot.  Opps! 

I will admit...I was shocked he wanted to ride the Frog Hopper.  But he ran up and climbed right in.  I got some funny video of him riding it - not a single smile or acknowledgment of fun, but afterward he couldn't stop talking about how great it was.  Since there was no line, the operator asked if the kids wanted to ride again...the other three kids immediately said "yes", but William did opt to get off.  One ride was good enough!

Next came the firetruck ride.  Abby insisted on riding right next to "Wee-um", so I managed to squeeze them both in.  The operator just raised his eyebrows and shook his head! 

Then came "Danny's Dragon", a train ride.  Again, you can't tell by the picture, but both kids really liked this ride. 

We spent a considerable amount of time on this stationary firetruck.  It was just so fun watching them pretend play!

Somewhere in the course of the day we also rode a carousel and a ladybug ride, spent time at the mini zoo, rode twisty slides at the play area, watched a puppet show, and walked across rope bridges. 

I think, however, that William's favorite part of the day was the petting zoo.  I was able to find several quarters, so I got him several handfuls of goat food.  He marched right up to those fairly aggressive goats and let them eat right out of his hand.  Since I was afraid that he'd get trampled, I did go in with him, so unfortunately I don't have any great pictures.

Once John was finished with his class we took off and visited the Intel museum.  It was quite interesting...I guess.  Of course I had heard of the company, but I really wasn't sure what they did to further humanity and make our lives better...however, now I know!  (If you aren't sure either, please take the time to google them.)

We also were able to spend the weekend visiting our good friends.  They graciously hosted us for the weekend, and took us to the Bay Area Discovery Center, which was a huge hit with the kids. 

Monkey see, monkey do!  She actually made it through this tunnel. 

I think this was one of William's favorite areas.  That's Zoe, grabbing her hard hat...you never know when debris might go flying!

And lastly, here's William and Will, making their way through a felled tree truck.  ("Fallen" tree trunk?)

Much thanks to our friends for having us at their place!  We had so much fun and can't wait to see you all again!

We made it home safe and sound.  No puke on the return trip.  Ah yes...Abby initiated us with the joys of "puke in the car".  That was something that we hadn't experienced yet as parents, and well...we can do without that.  Aside from that, though, the trip was so fun!