ROAR!!! And other animals at the zoo.

We took the kids to the zoo yesterday. It's the first time we've been to the zoo in a long time, and certainly the first time we've gone since Will and Helen have been old enough to have any appreciation for the animals. Helen was very studious, and Will just said "ROAAR!" to everything -- especially the lions, but after awhile pretty much any animal would do.

We tried hard to get a picture of him roaring, but he kept sticking his hands in his mouth. When do kids get two-year molars?

We saw a family at the zoo whose son is at our kids' school. They were AMAZED that we would take all four kids to the zoo. People just don't get it. Taking four kids to the zoo -- where there is entertainment -- is infinitely better than being cooped up inside our own, boring house with all four kids. The zoo was easy, and fun.

The boys haven't been to the zoo since they've become such great readers, either, so they really enjoyed reading what continent each of the animals came from. They also read the sign saying that "standing or climbing on the railing is dangerous and illegal" then proceeded to tell a couple of people that they needed to get down. Having early readers is not always a benefit.

Checking out the elephants, which are from Asia.

Charlie with the bongo. I can't remember where bongos are from.

Joseph in front of the cheetah exhibit, before he read the sign about the railing.

We also hit a milestone. I forgot the sippy cups. So I just bought four juice boxes, and Will and Helen joined Charlie and Joseph in sitting in chairs (no high chairs) and drinking from juice box straws. We don't necessarily want either to become a habit quite yet, but knowing that it's an option when necessary is huge.

This morning Helen's teacher also told me that she is off sippy cups at school. She uses a real cup. It's about time! I swear that Charlie and Joseph were much faster in this department. Will still just turns his upside down, so sippy cups still for him. We'll still use sippy cups for both for awhile at home, but again, it's just so nice to have the option if needed.

P.S. Above pictures taken with Cort's new toy, an iphone. His post-Christmas present to himself. I have to admit it's pretty cool, and takes pretty dang decent pictures too.