A Hot Day at the Zoo

We have been avoiding the zoo (along with many other outdoor places) because of the extremely hot temperatures.  I realized this past Friday that today was the last day for the dinosaur exhibit which we had still not been to see.  Kevin and I decided that we would go after church and just brave the warm weather.  Ava always wants to take a picture with one of the animals at the entrance and today her animal of choice was the elephant.

My mom met us up there and she and Ava snuggled throughout lunch.

This guy had us thoroughly entertained as we ate.

We finished our lunch just in time to walk over and feed the giraffes.  The giraffe Ava fed is named Marilyn and she was very sweet.  They were so close and it was very hard to resist petting them.  That is against the rules though so I restrained myself. :)

Afterward, we washed off the "giraffe slime" as Ava affectionately called it and made our way to the dinosaur exhibit.  

 Working on the dinosaur puzzle

The crocodiles were so still, they looked like statues.  If not for the "Yes, we are alive!" posters all over the exhibit, I may have wondered.

Such a rough life!

Helping "train" the sea lions during the show

We had to hunt to find Haley, the polar bear.  We found her snoozing by the air conditioning unit.  

She woke up and stretched a little and then back to sleep.

We visited the elephants

and took advantage of the misters that were placed all around the zoo.  Poor Ava--I've got to take her to get her glasses adjusted so they won't be sliding down her nose all the time!

This orangutan is trying so hard to beat the heat!

And this monkey is just plain mad about the high temps!

My favorite animals to photograph at the zoo are the tigers.  I think they are so beautiful and regal.  We got a treat today because one of the tigers was having a great time swimming and playing in the water. So fun to watch!

 He kept stalking his ball and pouncing.

There weren't many meerkats hanging out in the heat and they just looked worn out.

Even the sentry was slumped down and looking complacent.  I'm sure he was thinking,"I mean, really, we're in an exhibit at the zoo.  How much danger can we possibly be in?  I've been keeping watch for 10 years now and nothing has ever happened.  I'm sure it would be just fine if I just took a quick, little nap."

Unlike the meerkats, the cheetah was very alert

as were the hippos.

Ava decided she wanted to end our visit by cooling down in the geyser at Teton Trek.

It was warm but the temps weren't as bad as they have been so we are glad we ventured out to the zoo. We had a great time!

Happy 4th of July!

The July 4th holiday with my side of the family always means lots of food, lots of swimming, lots of fireworks, and lots of fun.  Independence Day 2012 was no exception.  

Ava got some fun new sunglasses from her honorary "Aunt" Rette.

She relaxed on the porch with Jess

and posed with her cousins Lawson and Addison.

We spent all afternoon in the pool

and then took a break to have a delicious dinner.

Ava obviously enjoyed a green cupcake

and playing with her cousins.

Then it was back in the pool for our little fish.

Kevin entertained the little ones with pool toys

while four generations looked on.

Then he and Ava had lots of fun in the pool.

Once it got dark, it was time for fireworks.  The kids enjoyed poppers, sparklers,

and their glow bracelets.

Kevin and Ava shot off roman candles

and the kids enjoyed prime seating throughout the rest of the show.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!  Thank you to all the men and women who have served and are currently serving.  We could not have enjoyed this wonderful holiday if it weren't for you!

Ava's Week at Art Camp

Last week, Ava went to an art camp with the art teacher I worked with at Arlington Elementary.  The week long camp was held at the teacher's home and Ava had a blast!!  She went last year as well but I think this year she enjoyed it a little more since she is older.  Here is a picture of Ava with her teacher Meredith and her sweet daughter, Carly.  I took this picture last year and forgot to get a new one this year.

The theme of the camp was Animals and there was a little bit of Nature mixed in there, too.  Ava worked really hard on her different projects each day.  When we got home after camp, we took a picture of her with her work.  I must say that she has to get her artistic talent from Kevin.  I would call myself crafty, but definitely not artsy.  I can't draw worth a flip, but fortunately for Ava, Kevin is a great artist.  So here are some of the first works from the potentially famous Ava R. Daniel. :)

 Love what she wrote all over the back of her butterfly!  That's our sweet girl!

She had a wonderful time and told me she can't wait to go again next summer!