Welcome to the Dallas Zoo...

We decided to take the kids to the Dallas Zoo for the day since the forecast later in the week called for snow and ice.  The zoo has really made lots on improvements over the past several years. 

We started out in the Wilds of Africa.  This is the newest part of the zoo.

The next section is the Giants of the Savanna. 

This is where you can find the elephants, lions, cheetahs, and other African animals.

We got there just in time to see the Predator Encounters. 

The trainers were showing how they use food to train the cheetahs.

Then it was time to feed the giraffes. 

The kids love to do this even though they are a little afraid at first.

Then it was time for the Elephant Encounters show. 

The zoo keepers showed us how the elephants use their trunks to get food.

Then we headed back to Zoo North.  This is the older part of the zoo that could use some "upgrades" . Apparently the park that is inside the zoo now, that has the old cages, is the original part of the zoo. So... I don't think this part will be changed much.They have added a new sign and a historical marker that explains about the park.

Haylee always wants to go to the snake building. 

She's afraid of most dogs and cats but will pet a snake.

There is a "cool" alligator display.

We had a great time at the zoo.

Haylee

What a day for Haylee!! She had to do a timeline project and the she looses a tooth. 

Actually David pulled the tooth. 

Toothless Wonder

She has her toothfairy pillow ready.

David pulled the tooth on the top. 

If you look closely, she has one missing on the bottom that was knocked out during the struggle.

There will be more drama in a week or so because that other top tooth is barely hanging on.



A few weeks later, Haylee was on the morning announcements to say

The Pledge of Allegiance.

She's looking a little nervous...it's almost time to start.



SNOW-- Take1

The kids were so excited to see the first snow of the season.  Even though it wasn't anything like the snow last year, they still like to play in it.  We also thought that this might the only snow for this year and did not want them to miss out on the fun.

Haylee loves to throw snowballs.

Now Carson decides to throw snowballs.

Attack Dad!!!

Looks like Carson's snow ball missed the target,

Then they decide to attack mom...not a good idea since I had the camera.

Glad everyone was able to enjoy time in the snow.

Ist trip to the Dentist

Well the we started the New Year with a trip to the dentist.  This was Carson's first time.  He did ok.  Hopefully, each time will be a little better.

He looks a little nervous.

I'm ready...



New Year's Eve

To end the year, we had a family Christmas/New Year's Eve/birthday party. 

We had great food, played games, and opened gifts.

PRESENTS!!!!

 

I promise I am good....(sometimes)

A train set

Guess she's excited!!

Looks like Todd likes his gift cards.

Tanner liked his new socks..

Looks like his mom did too since she put them on when he went out to play basketball...

He was not happy!

Kaleb's first Christmas/New Year's Eve

Happy 17th Birthday Tanner!!!

 

Taking down the tree

It was time for us to take down our Christmas tree.  However, there was some opposition.

They were trying to keep the box away from us.

The hallway was lined with signs they made.

We did get the tree down even though the kids were not happy.

Holiday in the Park: Six Flags

We decided to use our Six Flags season passes one last time before they expired.  I was worried when we bought them for the first time this year, we would not use them enough to be worth the money.  Boy was I wrong.  I highly recommend the season pass.  In the summer, the park is nearly a ghost town during the week so if you go early, you can enjoy the park.  The main plan of the day was to see the shows we missed earlier in the month.  Well apparently, the shows are over before Christmas.  WHAT!!!  I was so disappointed but lesson learned.  The only thing that you can do after Christmas is ride the rides.  At least the kids were able to ride all the rides they wanted to.

Carson didn't really want to ride in anything except for the stroller.

 The snow hill was still open so they rode on a sled several times since the line was short.