Z is for Zoo and Zesto's

This morning we picked up Tristan, Keira and Lexi after they spent the last week with Grandma & Grandpa Rich.  We were greeted with big hugs from everyone before even getting inside the house - I guess they did miss us!  As a surprise we headed straight to the zoo.  Apparently quite a few other people had the same idea.  When we arrived there were no parking places left at Rosenblatt, we ended up parking in the neighborhood south of the ballpark - where we go for the College World Series.  It was pretty empty then, but when we were leaving the neighborhood was packed.  I asked if there was something special going on, but it was just a typical day at the zoo.  I have never seen that many people there before.  Surprisingly, the exhibits weren't horribly overcrowded.  A few of the more popular ones we avoided and will see next time - good to have the season pass!

Come here fishy, come here!

Eisley was checking out all sealife in the aquarium too - this was her first trip to the zoo.

After yelling at the big cats "Come here, kitty, come over here!" Lexi was a bit timid, but did touch the tiger pelt - the claws were even intact.

Silly monkey, meet my silly monkey!

Somehow it has become tradition to stop at Zesto's after a trip to the zoo.  It's a little dive that probably makes most of their income during the CWS and sadly may not reopen next year (only open April to October) when Rosenblatt is gone.  There's hardly room to stand "inside" and order and only picnic/patio tables to eat at, but it's yummy grease.  And the ice cream is pretty tasty, especially after a warm day at the zoo.  The cones are so big that even Tristan orders a small.

Keira and her sprinkles - everywhere!

 This is why we are outside - just the beginning of the mess - but certainly a good time!

We definitely enjoyed some nice quiet time - like dinner out without multiple potty breaks or chasing crayons that were tossed.  And had some great bonding time with Eisley - who, by the way, showed her brother and sisters that she can roll all the way across the living room just like she did yesterday.  A big thanks to Nana, Papa & Terry for hosting the kids, but we are glad to have them back.  Now that the whining, yelling, chasing, playing, cartoon chaos is back, I can relax, this is our home...