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3.23.2010

Mystery Trip fun

What to do with a weekend that promises beautiful weather?

Why a "mystery trip" of course!  Ian and I started talking it up on Thursday night, saying that we were going to go somewhere fun for the upcoming "Daddy Day."

Following one of Daddy's big breakfasts, we loaded into the van armed with snacks, sunscreen, and plenty of water.  Kylie and Caleb were trying like mad to guess where we were going.  Darcy?  She was just content to be along for the ride!


We actually managed not to tell them (pretty easy because both of the "waaay back riders" fell asleep about 30 minutes into the ride.  But as we came to the last turn and the statues came into view, Kylie knew exactly where we were!


And the really fun part?  Good friends of ours also happen to have a membership to the NC Zoo, so after the exciting surprise that we were going to see the animals, Kylie and Caleb got the follow up surprise that their pals Darby and Henry were going to spend the day with us.

From viewing lots of animals to map reading to an ice cream break to strolling together and catching up to topping the day off with burgers at Cook Out, it was a delightful day!  I'll let pictures do the rest of the talking...

Seeing the first animals ~ zebras and giraffes.

The elephants are always fun to watch.
Plotting our course.

So glad that my other two have taught her the "Uncle Adam face" already...

 Quick blast from the past.  This picture was taken almost exactly two years before...

 ...this one.  Same beautiful girls, just tell me where our babies went?

 The best I got of all five for the day.  Notice that the girls are pretty much smiling and the boys?  Well, they are being boys...
Makes me wonder what Easter pictures of Mom's five grandkids are gonna be like!

Speaking of "being boys" ~ of course my son is totally fascinated with the dung beetles.

His favorite part of the day involves a snack.

Well Hello Mr. Chimpanzee!
Our ice cream break was worth every penny!

My husband has super human strength.  Who knew?
Actually I pushed a good way UP as we headed to North America.  When he jokingly told me to pick up the pace one too many times I "passed the baton."
Waiting for the geyser that never erupted.

Still my kids' favorite exhibit.

The true sign of a successful mystery trip.  

All three kids had a great time and Kylie is already asking when we will have our next mystery trip, where we will go, and who we will see there.  Ian and I need to get brainstorming!

And I'm up so late because I got to Skype with my niece and nephew tonight.  Oh yeah, and my sister and her hubby too...
They are PRECIOUS!!!
 

13 comments:

Laurie said...

I'm not up this late- just woke up and couldn't go back to sleep. LOVED all the pictures, but my favorite was the one of all the kids from the back- just adorable! And we finally got to see all the kids in the car together. Yeah!

Pam said...

Ooooh, the mystery trip looks like such fun!!!! And Saturday was such a beautiful day!

Unknown said...

Saturday was a perfect day for the zoo! We've been talking about when we can make another trip there as well. Such a fun day! I'm glad to see/read that you all are adjusting to a family of five life! I can only imagine the challenges you're facing but I can tell from the photos you truly are having some great moments as well!

Lynn said...

Beautiful day for the Zoo! Looks like everyone had a great time too!


xoxo,
Lynn

Tricia said...

Saturday was so beautiful. What a great day to spend at the zoo. Jealous that you were able to Skype (or sky scrape as Andrew calls it) with Traci, Adam, Pierson and Maylin. I was going crazy yesterday with no post and then a post with no pictures. Aaack!!!

C.C. said...

SO much fun!! Can you believe neither of my kiddos slept on the drive home?!

Lilly said...

you are all wearing short sleeves and capris????? i am so jealous! last night snow/blizzard storm has left us with no fun outdoors. Wait a second...I can dress up the kids and make a snowman and fighting snow balls!

so glad to hear you guys are doing great and having terrific time!

Nancy said...

Looks like an awesome day! The mini van looks great. I had to chuckle when you said the kids in the "way back"... I had memories of station wagons from the 70s with wood paneling!

I can't believe how much Kylie and Darby have grown. What a change!

The photos are great, but my favorite is the one of the kids sleeping. Too sweet!

BTW, I've been meaning to tell you this... I've been looking at Kylie & Caleb's cute faces all month on my AWAA calendar but it seems very weird without Darcy in them. I'm so used to her in your photos, it seems like she's been home forever!

Rachelle said...

WOO HOO for the ZOO! I think you need a mystery trip to PA for some fun at Hershey Park this summer! :)

Melissa said...

What a FUN day this looks like it was. The pictures are awesome, as usual:) It surely tuckered them out too, didn't it? Love the car picture with the three little angels sleeping. I can't wait to see what your next mystery trip is!

Chocolate Mom aka Blupoetres said...

Sounds and looks like a positively wonderful day was had by all!

You know you've done good by your kids if at the end of the "funness" they pass out!! LOL

Gavin's Family said...

What a great idea. I need some great ideas with spring break coming up and now we know we will not be in China for it. A zoo trip would be super fun!
Looks like a fun day with friends you had.

Lisa said...

I finally found a pocket of time to catch up with you and I feel like I had a long conversation with a good friend and a cup of coffee. I'm thrilled to see that you are all settling into your new normal nicely. And beyond excited that you are a new aunt!!! Congratulations. They are so adorable! I'm praying for Darcy's surgery already. Looks like the timing on her laser treatments is a God thing...she will thank you for doing them someday. Love, love, love Caleb's belly!!!