The Benders: We're going to the zoo!

For the past three months, Jackson has been in swim lessons at the YMCA. Two times a week, we gather at the pool with Mrs. Deb and the other kids in the class. Several kids have come and gone, but one little boy, Ryan, has been with Jackson the entire time.

Ryan is a sweet boy and it has been fun to watch their friendship develop. (For two months, Aubrey joined them and watching those boys and that adorable girl together was so sweet!)

Since the Mommies congregate on the side during the class, Ryan’s mom, Lisa, and I have had three months to get to know each other. She has Ryan plus a one-year old little boy. Jake and Philip have become buddies too as they sit on the side and dream about when they can splash in the water as well!

We have enjoyed getting to know this special family and develop a friendship so we were excited to spend more time with them outside the Y when they invited us to go to the zoo with them.

After today’s lesson, we packed up Lisa’s van and headed downtown. It was a beautiful day to do some animal watching. Everything was out (except the lion) and I loved watching each animal. Jackson and Ryan enjoyed the animals as well, but they were much more interested in the popcorn, train ride and carousel!

Thanks, Lisa, Jake and Ryan for this special afternoon treat!

Poor Philip had to watch most of the zoo from the back of the stroller.

They have an exhibit where you can go into the birds' sanctuary and feed them. Jackson loved it. I on the other hand was completely creeped out with all those birds flying VERY close over our heads! I wanted out!