Zoo Camp in Review

Maddie, Emily, and Alexa (a new friend from camp) ready for the sleepover

Singing camp songs

Maddie fell asleep in the car Friday morning

Crazy camp songs

Camp Kangazoo at the St. Louis Zoo is in the books. The girls had a great time learning about animals and how they're cared for, seeing the animals up close, and participating in fun activities. The girls were both very tired at the end of each day, with temperatures in the high 90's. Camp finished up last Thursday with a sleepover. I've attached some video of one of the camp songs they sang before the parents left. The girls complained that the sea lions and other animals woke them up early.

Happy Birthday Beba

Yes, only nerds wear U of I gear.

Happy Birthday Beba!

Another reason why we love Brownell Avenue!

The neighbors! Our neighbors, even the empty nesters, love to interact with the Brownell Avenue kids! The couple across the street, Peter and Margie, seem to really enjoy talking with both Emily and Adam. I think the kids, as well as the adults, enjoy the interaction.

This week, Margie helped the girls make cement bird baths and stones with natural elements like grass, leaves, and flowers. The girls' projects' should be ready by Friday so Maddie will get to take hers home!

Thanks Margie for doing this craft with the girls! They both had so much fun!

Zoo Camp!

Here is a picture of the girls from the first day of Zoo Camp! Emily took her camera today so we'll have some pictures of what they did during the day. Yesterday, the girls petted chinchillas, boa constrictors, blue tongue lizzards, and owls. They also saw the sea lion show and learned about flamingos. When I picked Em and Maddie up, they were talking nonstop!

Maddie's Visit

Maddie, our old neighbor from Springfield, is down visiting this week to go to camp at the St. Louis Zoo with Emily. Janet brought her down last night and we went to the pool today. Adam and I stayed until about 12:30, but Amy and the girls were there until 4:30. Both of the girls deny it, but they look awful tired as they sit here on the couch watching Camp Rock before getting ready for bed.

I think both of the kids missed Maddie, and they both enjoy having her around.

Trip to Hanneke's

Amy was out for a run this morning, so I got the kids dressed and we walked down to the neighborhood grocery store, Hannake's. The store certainly has the small town feel - some groceries, a meat counter, some prepared sandwiches, etc. and a primitive checkout lane. The kids enjoyed their donuts - I enjoyed a bottle of fortified water since I had been up 3 or 4 times with charlie horses last night (I'm thinking my speed work last night wasn't a good idea!).

We loaded up on some nickel candy and headed back home. It's a nice walk to the store, but man it was humid today. Ugh.

A Visit with Uncle Bill

Bill came to St. Louis today for work, and we were all excited to have him stay the night with us. Right now, Adam's making him play games while Emily demonstrates her skill on Guitar Hero.

Note: Yes, I know - I need to find more than 1 t-shirt that actually fits me...