Zoo Fun

After a fun time at the beach, the Cole family had a wild streak and also went to the ZOOOO!  I guess more activities are the result of getting a new mini (van not cooper).

Right away we spotted TWO little monkeys.

We saw some animals and per usual, Jacob would walk up to an enclosure say "Yup that's a giraffe/bird/elephant" and then keep walking.  The boy doesn't dilly dally.

More important then the animals was the carousel ride.

And of course the train ride. 

And the wobbly bridge located right by the flamingos.  Jacob loved this bridge. 

And then we discovered the playground and decided that our zoo visits will never be the same if Jacob and Kate learn the route to the playground without detouring past at least a few animals.

Beach 2015

The Cole family ventured outside of the state of TN this year!  Grammy and Gdaddy were kind enough to invite us for their annual October trip to the beach.  This would be the inaugural trip for our new mini (van not Cooper).  We left Saturday morning and right out the gate things were iffy because Jacob had a fever.  A fever, but he was in such good spirits that we packed up some meds and decided to go anyway.  At one point we crossed a bridge and Jacob said "that's the Chicago River."  The state of Alabama welcomed us with lots of traffic, but we persevered and made it to the Gulf. 

It was chilly the first two days or so, but soon enough the weather turned and stayed wonderful.  Grammy found a great place for us to enjoy dinner.  Jacob and Katie practiced their football throw.

They stood on a giant chair

And it became very evident that naps are mandatory at the beach. Otherwise one of the 2 smallest Cole children are blurry and crying in every picture.......but the girls always look beautiful.  

Jacob felt good.  He enjoyed the sand and the water, but only in moderation.....meaning 10 minute maximum increments!  Jacob was most excited to carry the sand toys down and destroy any sand shapes that Dada made.

In our spare time we ventured around the grounds.  There was a giant checker and chess set and corn-hole boards that Jacob was awesome at (as long as he was mere inches from the hole).  Maybe this can be added as an Olympic sport?

No one was stung by any jelly fish and Katie enjoyed the condo's playground.  Jacob was a little confused that there were no swings, but Katie loved the slide.  She always had a spark of energy when she knew she would get some playground freedom.  Our little firecracker is also quite the daredevil.  Jacob likes to observe and cautiously approach new things/experiences, but Katie goes all out. 

And the BEST part of being at the beach?  The sun? No.  The sand?  No.  The fresh seafood?  No.  The elevator?  YES!!!!  Jacob mastered the elevator, but was always a little suspicious when someone else got on board and pushed their own button for a floor that wasn't his.  Once he said "18?  Why you push 18?"

There were also some fish in the lobby that we made sure to say hello to as often as possible.  Eleven fish to be exact.....one looked like it was sleeping and luckily we didn't pet any of them.

The sun hasn't been Katie's friend so she made great use of the bathtub.  She is such a precious and feisty girl.  Several people commented that she is so small that they didn't expect her to talk, but she is definitely a communicator.......through words and even by throwing herself on the ground when she needs more emphasis.

Another highlight was the lazy river.  It was on the shaded side of the building so it was more like the arctic river, but Jacob and Dada enjoyed a few rounds.  Katie even got in on the action in a little boat she borrowed from a little boy. 

Of course a few days later Katie started to feel crummy.  We left very early on Thursday morning and drove straight to the doctor where Katie was diagnosed with her first ear infection and a viral cough!  Someday we hope to experience a beach vacation without illness!  Meanwhile, Babcia and Dziadzia were having no fun in sunny Florida.  They missed us terribly......but rarely called.