Our adventure in the safari (Arkansas style)

Many of you have already seen the pictures of our Safari Adventure over Spring Break. I thought I would tell a few fun facts that many of you don't already know.

#1 Russell is completely NOT afraid of animals (except for bugs). He kept asking to get out of the car to play with the animals. I think he might be the next Jeff Corwin. He was braver than all of the rest of us. It isn't hard to imagine him being braver than me, but he was even braver than Kaden and Jake. I think he impressed the older boys with his snake handling skills.





#2 Camels will eat anything and everything you put out there. We tried bread, animal crackers, grapes, bananas, and raisins. I really have to suggest the larger items of food. They pick up food like horses do (with their lips), and unless you want tons of dirty camel slobber on you (I experienced lots of it), then the larger items are the way to go.

#3 They have built suitable living quarters for the large cats. I previously heard that the cats were kept in tiny enclosures. I was not really happy about the idea of showing my kids animal abuse. I was really pleased when we saw the new cat area. They have room to run, jump, and climb. They seem to be happy.

#4 Go in the spring so you can see baby animals. I am not saying that the other times of the year are less fun, but we really enjoyed seeing the little ones. Not all of the animals had babies, but the ones that did were SOOOO cute.

#5 Drive thru twice. We found that the first time thru we were timid and scared. After our first drive thru we went to the petting area. That gave us a chance to see some of the animals up close. We decided to drive thru one more time, and the second round was a whole lot more productive. We fed more of the animals, and we (and really I mean me) were more comfortable with the idea of animals sticking their heads in the car.

all inn all I really enjoyed watching the boys with the animals. It was an adventure that I will not forget. I doubt that Russell will either. I can't wait for Wilson to be old enough to try and one-up his big brother!!

Spring Break

I know it has been forever since I last posted, but I have been really busy. Let me inform you of everything by each person.

Russell: He had his 3 year check up and is growing like a weed. He is 38 lbs and 38 1/2 inches tall. He is talking in complete sentences, although he will still mix up beginning and middle consonants. He is barrell of laughs, and I think he got the entertaining bug from his mom. He loves his little brother and is ready for him to start "playing".

Wilson: At his last checkup he was 21 lbs and 25 inches (I think). He is doing really well even though he just cut three teeth at once. We have been battling the wheezing for too long, but I think it is just allergies. He still has to recieve breathing treatments twice a day. I think that it is something that will continue into childhood, but maybe he will outgrow them later on. He is sitting up on his own and is content to sit for an hour or two if he has toys around him. He is beginning to try to pull his knees up, and I know this means that crawling is not far away.

Justin: He is coaching baseball and doing workouts for football. Thankfully, this year he will only have one game during Spring Break. It allowed us to take a wonderful family vaca to Tunica. Sounds like a funny place to take the kids, but we had a blast. Justin is not looking forward to the spring/summer chores, but I know he will be excited to be outside.

Myself: Well, I have been busy with school and two kids. Not a whole lot exciting has happened to me. I enjoyed out zoo trip, and I got in some good outlet mall shopping while in Tunica.I am contemplating transferring schools next year, but I am waiting to see what the options are. I have been trying to keep myself as low stress as possible, and it has worked for the most part. I have added some pics of our trip. I hope you enjoy.