We have a really neat zoo here in Tacoma. They have been doing a lot to upgrade it — we aren’t sure if this is because the new exhibit they built has brought in more funds, or if they received yet another bond giving them money from the city (well, our taxes, actually). Have you ever noticed that sometimes the way you word something can change how it appears? Like I just said the Zoo received money from the city. That sounds removed from my daily life. “The City” appears to be an entity all is own, with its own funds, kind of like a rich uncle. However, if I were to rephrase that, and say they received money from a tax bond – usually a bond taxing homeowners – well then it brings it closer to home. The same thing happens when the news people report that roads are going to be enlarged or repaired. They keep it far away from you personally. They don’t mention that gas prices will rise in order to fund these enlargements or repairs.
Anyways!! On to happier thoughts. 🙂
Yesterday we went to the zoo. Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is a really neat place. They’ve just opened a new area called “The Kids Zone”. The boys love that area!! Point Defiance has also made a new entrance to the zoo, which allows you to see The Sound. That was weird. Before it was shrouded by huge trees. It looks naked now, I am hoping their landscaping plans will soften the entry.
We met with a family we’d met at ice skating. There were a couple other homeschooling families there with us, but I didn’t really get to talk to the moms much. It is hard to keep up with three boys when there are a lot of other kids around. There were a couple schools and some daycares there. We saw children running wild, with no adults watching them! (That always amazes me)
We played in the Kids Zone, fed the goats and looked at the aquarium. I must say Point Defiance has done well. The aquarium used to be horribly polluted. Well, not polluted, but the water was horribly cloudy. You couldn’t see from the top to the bottom, and when you were downstairs looking through the windows, you could only ever see a couple of feet into the interior. They have cleaned it all up. It is clear now! You can see all the way to the bottom from the top, and all the way through the middle when looking through a window!! We were even there in time to go to the marine discovery center. The boys got to touch different sea creatures that live in the Puget Sound. We touched starfish, clams, kelp, and something else. It was neat. They had fun exploring & learning with their friends, Aaron & Charissa. We also went to the shark exhibit. We’d never been there before — it was REALLY neat!!!! They have tuna, and other fish and neat sharks. We saw how they breathe because one was lying on the floor of the tank right next to the window. It was really cool. 🙂
After the aquarium, we went to the Wild Wonders Outdoor Theatre. They have two shows every day showcasing and teaching about different animals and their habitats. They stress conservation a lot, and talk about rainforests a lot, but that is ok.
Nicholas really liked the show. He giggled, clapped, ooohed and aaahed over the birds and different animals. He liked the birds the best, because they flew over our heads. He also liked the porcupine. 🙂 It was neat watching the show with Nicholas because it was the first time he was really interested. He even cuddled with me while we watched.
After the show, we went back to the Kids Zone to play for a few minutes more. I took the boys to the bathroom, because I was afraid Nicholas had wet his pants. I’d asked if he had, and he said no, then said yes. His pants were damp, but he had played in the water at the Kids Zone. When we got to the bathroom, I checked & he was DRY!!! He did great!! Mama was so happy! 🙂
We left the Kids Zone in a little bit because we were all tired and it was crowded. We looked in the gift shop for a birthday present for Evva, but didn’t find anything. 🙁
The kids were so tired they weren’t listening very well on the way to the car, but they got there finally.
At home, I did Quicken and dishes, and they watched a movie. Silly Nicholas ruined his good day — he wet the floor!!! Arg. Win some, lose some, I guess.
All in all it was a nice day. I hope to get out like that more this summer.
Please continue to pray for us as we still don’t know anything about Jef’s job.
Monday the 20th, we are having a BBQ for Evva. Her birthday is the 21st. So Doug is going to grill and Jef is going to make cheesecake & potato salad and Marie, Evva & I aren’t going to do a thing!!! 😉 Well, Marie & I are bringing food, but we’re not cooking. 🙂
Ok, so that was our yesterday. 🙂 If you have any hints on what to get Evva for her birthday, let me know!!
