End of summer wind-down

We had been trying to find a day to take the kids to the big waterslides this summer, but the weather and schedules just didn't want to cooperate. We started questioning whether it was a good idea to take Carissa, and after 2 months of rescheduling, we thought that we finally had a day figured out. Andrew took the day off of work (again), and even though the weather wasn't going to be super hot, we decided to go anyway. Well the night before, Andrew had a dream that Carissa was drowning..................so ..................... we decided to try again next year.......after some swimming lessons! And instead we went to the zoo, and then downtown to the gateway plaza! The zoo was lots of fun, and Carissa likes to watch the animals outside, but doesn't really like going in the buildings. But I'd have to say the highlight was the new carousel! It is really beautiful! She wanted to ride every single animal, but we had to put a stop after 5 rides!! I'll spare you all the pictures I took, cause I will use them on a layout (someday!).

Here is a picture of her getting a drink out of the lion fountain. She's always been too afraid to actually stick her head in there, but always fascinated by it. Yah-oo for growing up and trying new things! Cause I love this picture!!!

We even took her to the bird show, where she didn't want to sit on the steps, and wanted to play in the grass. Even after the "bird lady" told her she couldn't play there. Once the show started then she was captivated by the big birds flying over her. Here's a picture Andrew took (nice one hun!) This was right after the owls flew right over her head, and she was still in shock!

Then we went to lunch and headed to the Gateway! Nikelle brought a friend along and they jumped right into the fountain, but Carissa was a bit more reserved! Andrew finally took her to another part of the park, and let her climb into a little fountain area. (*Notice* the sign that says "No climbing or wading") Needless to say, we had to be on guard for the security guys, and only once had a close call, but she had to go potty and he whisked her away before he got there! But she had so much fun splashing around!

Her favorite part however was riding the escalator up and down, up and down, up and down! She insisted on sitting on the step, so she got ultra dirty!! But I absolutely love this picture! One of my favorite daddy-daughter shots...like......EVER!

Then we've been spending time getting the big kids ready for school. The new building that they are moving into wasn't quite finished, so they were delayed 3 weeks. But after spending around 60 hours of moving/cleaning/setting up/unpacking over the last 2 weeks, the school looks amazing and they are both excited to finally go back!