Freedom feels good

I was lucky enough to have yesterday off work so we decided to take the boys to the zoo. This is the first time that Kamaki has been able to go with us this year and Auntie Nani and Cousin Makana also came along. Since we had so many helping hands, we decided to let the boys explore the zoo without being confined to the stroller. They have been doing very well holding our hands and we thought it would be a lot more fun for them if they could actually see the animals. We did bring the stroller along just in case though! Both the boys did very well. They walked most of the time and we carried them on and off, but they never needed to use the stroller - they really seemed to enjoy the freedom. I can't believe how fast they are growing up!
We got there very early to beat the heat and there was hardly anyone else there - perfect! The boys had lots of fun running around and looking at the animals. They got to see most of the animals, but they really liked the baby elephant, monkeys, sea lions, bears, and penguins.
We had a picnic lunch while watching the "Predators of the Sky" show where a gorgeous Bald Eagle swooped right down over our heads - how fitting for the 4th of July weekend! Then the boys got to play on the big lawn with Auntie and Makana - they had a blast.
We always love going to the zoo - our yearly pass may have been the best investment we ever made!
Michael watching the boars:

Baby elephant! (the boys loved this - they kept yelling "Baby! Baby!)

Hippo rides!

Please Mom! Can we PLEASE play with the goats?

Michael's new buddy:


Michael trying to get the giraffe to come closer:

Tommy and Daddy watching the giraffe:

Playing with Daddy and Auntie: