The weather here has made an unusual turn to be quite warm the past few days. To me, it's inexplicable to go from 20 degrees, snow and wind to 70 degree warmth. Nevertheless, we're taking advantage. This weekend we did a little yard work, a little shopping and a little monkeying around at the Zoo. (Side Note: This was our THIRD trip, and we still have yet to complete the full zoo tour.) The place is simply monstrous in size. This visit we focused on the big cats, monkeys, gorillas, the petting zoo and a train ride.
Here's Nick and I enjoying the train ride and a moment...
I can't believe Rod got Nick to actually pet an animal. Needless to say, he wasn't to fond of the petting zoo portion of the trip. Must be the "Daddy Super Powers" that promote bravery, brawn and comfort in little boys.
What fun would it be if we didn't break the food rules from time to time? Here's Nathan wolfing down popcorn, pizza and ice cream! I can't tell the difference between him and the "Hungry Hippo".
Which, by the way... he wasn't happy being "fed" to the hippo. Nick was contemplating about it...he ultimately decided he didn't want to be hippo food either, but sat long enough for a quick snap.
These were actually taken through glass. Pretty good...
The best ride and view in the entire Zoo!
I think Rod and I are getting soft. [Where did those tough armed service members go?] We had a good time and enjoyed seeing the boys excitement over the animals. But, after the Zoo trip, coincidentally, we were both thinking about the "selfishness" of the entire concept of taking an animal from it's natural habitat and putting it on display for viewing pleasures. Being Zoo patrons ourselves, we realize we're contributing to that. I definitely realize that a lot of research and intensive care goes into zoo production, but it's just something about looking into the eyes of an encased gorilla or pacing tiger that shakes my soul a bit.
When Michelle & I went to the Outer Banks of NC in September, we stopped by a really nice store called Sandy Bay Gallery. After making our jewelry purchases and chatting with the owner, we walked back outside and stopped to admire the hippo pottery. But oh look! Hippo Mouth has a resident!
Is that the blurpiest little frog ever? The shop owner saw us looking and came out and said he lives in there, and that sometimes there is another one that hangs out close by. But before I could get more photos inside the hippo, she coaxed him out onto the wall:
and that is about half of my vacation photos right there....
Comic Con 4 days passes have completely sold out. I didn't even get a chance to buy one!!
So now, I have to stalk the site so I can get 4 single day passes but depending how much those total up, I might not even go. This is getting ridiculous!
4 months after Comic Con 2009 and they sell out??!! My god!!
Maybe we can Volunteer again.....?
お昼ご飯は、大阪市内にある中央軒で皿うどんを食べてました。
実は、ココ友人に教えもらったお店なんです。
こいつに、お酢をいっぱいかけて食べたら美味しかったですよ。
今度は、麺が長崎から直送されている、チャンポンを食べてみるかな。
Nine hundred dollars, (I know, only?) gets you the worlds cleanest keyboard. Great for popular coffee shops I guess, or ultra clean electronic rooms (chip makers). But $900? I'd be okay with just running it through the dishwasher at the end of the day. Yes you can do that, no soap though.
It's so tiny..and green!
So I made a Fat Elvis costume for my friend's kid. It looked kind of awesome. I am expecting a shipment of candy - my tithe, if you will.
Boys, your Daddy is a Great Man! His shoes are BIG to fill.
But know that on your journey there, we both are here to help you steer.
You see...we love and expect a lot for you, under no specific terms. We hope to fill you up with traits that'll help you stand tall on your own. 
Strength and smarts and a loving heart... are all things Daddy is. He's proud to protect and care for you, those special boys of his. He'll tell you not to fill his shoes, and find your rightful pair. But Mommy thinks the two of you have a wonderful example for your future shoes sitting right HERE.
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