Jansens Go To the Zoo!

Spring has finally sprung around here and we thought nothing sounded better than going to the zoo this past weekend. 

Actually we thought anything sounded better than our daunting to-do list at home. Douglas and I tend to like to do anything but what we are really suppose to be doing, especially on a nice weekend. Bennett Lee is the biggest animal lover and we had been daydreaming about taking him to the zoo. One check of the weather to see sunny and 70 and Friday afternoon couldn't come soon enough. 

Instead of leaving Saturday morning we decided to make it more of a "Vvvv-cation" for the kids so we left Friday after school. They are so easy to please. Pizza for supper, a walk around "Disney World" aka the Disney Store and popcorn and a movie back at the hotel. Doug and I's bed was covered in popcorn kernels after this but the cuddles were definitely worth it. 

We got to the zoo first thing Saturday morning. And so did everyone else haha. I have never seen so many people at the zoo. I guess everyone was ready to enjoy the beautiful day. We stood in line to see the penguins (a must!) and for the carousel but other than that the zoo isn't really a wait in line kind of place. Thankfully. I am also very thankful for how good the kids were. Crowds and three kids sounds awful but they did a very good job of staying close. 

 B was content in the wagon unless he saw an animal up close and immediately needed to pet it. He is so happy just to be along for the fun. He took in the whole day with a great big smile on his face.

Em was easy. She listened like a big girl, rode in the wagon with Bennett and liked the giraffes and the snacks we packed. Auggie's slight fear of big crowds played to our advantage. He wanted to be close or hold hands and walk which was just fine with me! He swears the giraffes were his favorite too and sadly he never found the bees (inside joke). 

My favorite was this guy. He walked right up to us and then waved his trunk and showed off. I could have watched him all day. 

Bennett liked him too clearly. This is him pretending to be an Elephant. Kid won't talk but he will tell us what a lion or cow or elephant says!

Last stop for us at the zoo was the carousel. I sure do love these people of mine and I love making memories with them. 

And we were right, Bennett Lee loved it. 

We stopped in downtown St. Louis for supper and ice cream for a treat. These three (with the help of me and B) ate every last bite. We loaded back up with full bellies and were estimated to arrive home by 6:30. Perfect timing to un-pack, play a little and head to bed. 

Instead we were in a wreck. Another wreck. 

A guy going the wrong way down a one way came out of nowhere and hit us. We are all perfectly fine. Heck, the big kids didn't even cry. The van however is not. 

A million frustrating or funny (depending on how you look at them) stories go along with this wreck but I will say I am very thankful for kind strangers, nieces who live in St. Louis and for God keeping us safe and getting us home. 

Hope everyone has a fabulous Monday. Enjoy this weather. Have fun. And drive safe.