Brookfield Zoo : rain or shine!

July 9, 2007 Monday

My sister jinxed us by saying we needed rain while driving on the way to Brookfield Zoo. Sure enough the grey skies came and the dark clouds rolled in just as we pulled into a parking spot. People were leaving by the dozens and here we were convinced that we could still make the most of our visit even though it started to drizzle.

Cicada ride!

Here's Kai, a big boy now- not needing my help and pushing my hand away. BOOHOO!

Yup- we were attracted to the insect rides alright. I got a kick out of this praying mantis. What carousel have you seen with bugs like this to ride on?

Cheri and Adira scuba diving.

Kai and Cohen got to touch stingrays. Kai touched 3, Cohen 5.

At the swamp exhibit. Trying out a new boat.

The bear slept through his chance to spring through that open window to get some dinner.

Lucky for us, the shower passed when we were indoors and the sky was clearing. However, by the time we left Brookfield, the dark clouds rolled in again and the rain came hard- fortunately we had gotten the babies secured in their carseats (have you ever seen 3 car seats side by side?)

We met up at Papadeux restaurant and had a seafood dinner with my family (mom, Cheri, Derek, Eric, the kids, and neighbor Mrs. Burns and Derek's girl Jen.) Kai had been disobedient as usual with his throwing both food and dishes around, and screaming at the top of his lungs in anger- I was just about to tear my hair out and/or strangle him, Thank goodness the restaurant was loud...just when I was wishing to get going home, the waiter arrives with cake and ice cream with a candle on it (Yeah- I'm one again!)

I tried to have Kai blow it out - but Cohen leaned in and did the favor instead.

I passed out again tonight from exhaustion.