Racine Zoo.

While my parents were here for a visit in late April, we headed up to the little zoo that sits along Lake Michigan in Racine, WI.

Ok, where to first?
The kids love to review the map to ensure that we don't miss any exhibits.

Above, both kids are getting closer looks at the Spider monkeys.
They  were quite active and very fun to watch. 

 

Looking for the bears here. 

As we walked along the path in the picture above this one, a glance to our right produced a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan.

Cassidy, YiaYia, and Lincoln taking a look at the penguins.

 

Matt pointing an animal out to Cassie.
I just love her little hand on his back. 

Favorite animals...
Cassidy: Giraffes
Lincoln: Spider monkeys/Tiger/Lion (can't decide)
Julie: Giraffes (like mother, like daughter)
Matt: Orangutans
YiaYia: Penguins
Papou: Tiger

spring break with Skippyjon Jones.

Lincoln had the pleasure of being the *Star of the Week* at school during Spring Break week (each kid gets to do it during the school year, but Linc lucked out by having an extra week). This entails filling out an All About Me posterboard as well as taking the class "buddy" Skippyjon Jones on any adventures with you. Skippyjon is a book character, a siamese cat with large ears that make him look like a Chihuahua. In my opinion, he's not the cutest thing, but the kids in Linc's 1st grade class really seem to love him.

Linc's "Packed with Stuff About Me!" posterboard.

The class book in which each student writes about their adventures with Skippy. 

Skippyjon Jones showing off his series of books to us at the library. 

Skippyjon playing giant checkers at the library.

Cassidy trying to beat the Skippy at checkers! 

Lincoln converting Skippyjon into a Tigers fan. 

Skippyjon showing off the Easter eggs that we dyed.

We spent one of our Spring Break days in Milwaukee at the children's museum.  Below, you'll see Skippyjon riding a Harley Davidson.

Here, Linc and Cass are running the real estate office. 

Safari adventure, anyone? 

Underwater adventure with a scuba diving Mr. Potato Head!

How can one resist the giant toothbrush? 

Brusha brusha.

I think Cass was trying to play Heart and Soul a la Tom Hanks in Big.
Oh wait, that was my wishful thinking. She was just dancing around on the adorably giant piano keys. 

little hoopsters '13

Lincoln enjoyed another season of basketball this winter. After watching Space Jam (the Michael Jordan/Warner Bros. movie from 1996), he's decided that he wants to be a basketball star when he grows up. 

Showing off his blocking skillz. 

Proud owner of a "participant" trophy. 

Easter '13

One of our favorite Eastertime activities is the traditional dyeing of the Easter eggs. Cassidy enjoys coloring the eggs, but doesn't eat them. Lincoln is a fan of both, coloring and eating.

Cass & Linc's eggs.

New fashion statement? A headband made of an Easter palm. 

Cassie's favorite treat from the Easter bunny: Airheads.
Yup, it's early on Easter morning , Cass is still in her Dora nightgown, and she's eating an Airhead.
What's not to love about Easter morning?