A Staycation Trip to the Zoo

Since Disney and other grand vacations are out of our price range we have to keep our fun local and not too expensive. Last week I mentioned all the fishing we've been doing but we wanted to also plan a fun day trip for the kids. A few years back  Travis' mom, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin and I headed to the Niabi Zoo with my two kids. I was big and pregnant with JF and it was one of the hottest days of summer but it was so. much. fun. When the opportunity came for my family to receive some free tickets to return this summer I jumped at the chance because I knew we would enjoy the day. While the Niabi Zoo gave us the tickets for zoo entry, my mother-in-law and I purchased tickets for all other rides and the stroller rental, and I am 100% telling you the truth: it was a great day.

We started the day by feeding the kids a big breakfast and then having them pack up snack bags to eat on the way home. We knew that with our food allergies we would buy drinks at the zoo but not food, but the extra little fun of coloring a brown paper bag was exciting to them. (Which sorta boggles my mind, but it's a win for me so I'm taking it!)

The Niabi Zoo isn't a huge zoo but there was plenty to do and see. Like the giant mist-maker that delighted my kids.

And the train that circles the park. It's a great way to get your bearings and cool off a bit. JF and JP looooove trains so we had to stop and wave every time it went by. The boys also delighted in crossing the tracks occasionally and all the kids loved the ride.

But, yeah, there was a lot of this throughout the day:

Various Junior Zookeepers and other employees were stationed around the park to answer questions and talk about the animals. Everyone was super friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. And when we were on our own L was the official keeper of the map. 

A family favorite was the pond - filled with ducks, geese, giant goldfish, and a couple of swans.

The pony rides were another hit. JP literally had to be pulled off his pony - he did not want it to end. 

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We also loved the larakeets. Well, JF freaked out when one landed on his shoulder from behind and Resa was a little leery. But L loved feeding them nectar and my mother-in-law was like a magnet and loved every minute of it.

The carousel was how we ended the day and then it was back to the van for our hour drive home. The kids ate their snack bags, chatted about the day, and eventually a couple even fell asleep. Later, when I asked the kids what they liked best their answers were:
L - feeding the birds
JF - the train!!!!
Resa - the thing that went around and around and up and down (the carousel)
Jofis - the horsey ride!

My favorite part, though, was that that the grounds were lovely. It was clean, well cared for, and beautifully landscaped. I was really, really impressed with it - it was like walking through a garden.

The zoo has actually grown some since the last time I was there six years ago, and I was pleasantly surprised by the improvements. If you live within a couple hours of the Quad Cities I encourage you to take a little day trip to visit. You can learn more about the Niabi Zoo at their website, on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.  

Boston

My husband, who is kind, thoughtful, and sneaky, planned a little getaway for me to coincide with a physics teachers' conference.  Knowing that I've always wanted to go to Boston, he secretly sought out bargains, got himself a full paid scholarship to the conference, and arranged for the grandparents to take the kids for the weekend.  He then took me out East for a long weekend.  It was a blast.

Lunch at Jacob Wirth's 2nd oldest restaurant in city.

  

Pastrami sandwich with German potato salad.  Delish.

Steaming tea pot.

I was told there are over 250 Dunkin Donuts in Boston.  So that's where I had my breakfast.  It's like a "when in Rome" kinda thing.

My favorite part of the trip:  walking the Freedom Trail.

My guide on the Freedom Trail, "James Otis".  He was brilliant.  If you go to Boston, ask for him.

The American Mother Goose's grave.  (I guess there's a British one, too.)  She's near Paul Revere, Sam Adams, and John Hancock.

Site of the first public school in America.

Old State House.  They read the Declaration of Independence from that balcony on July 4, 1776 and they have continued to do so every year since.

The Boston Massacre happened here, too.

They spell it correctly in Boston.  ;)

Lunch in the North (Italian) part of the city.  So good.

Going to Boston?  Go to the Sam Adams Brewery and take the tour.  You make a $2 donation, 100% of which goes to charity, and you get three samples in a keepsake glass.  Plus the tour is fun and interesting.

Harvard.

President John Adams' library and garden.

Did you know that Paul Revere wasn't famous in his own day?  If it weren't for Longfellow's poem none of us would know who he was. 

Did you also know he fathered 16 children?

I know, "wowza!"

Speaking of Longfellow... "One if by land and two if by sea."

This restaurant is called Volle Nolle - Latin for "willy nilly."  It's also in the Italian district, right on the main street, Hanover.  I ordered a sandwich and cookie (pictured below - they were sooooo good!) and went to pay with credit.  The co-owner told me they only take cash and asked what my bank was.  When I explained I used a credit union in Illinois she asked how much cash I had ($3 less than what was owed) and told me that was enough. 

Holy Cross Cathedral in Boston.  We did not see the Archbishop.  Bummer.  And Mass was bumped to the basement chapel for a wedding(!).  Double bummer.

The most expensive food I've ever eaten.  And some of the best.  Happy "30th Birthday / Last Night of Vacation / Ultimate Date Night with a Fantastic Husband Who Loves Me and Treats Me Super Well" to me!

Everyone we met told us not to go to Mike's Pastry but to Modern.  We waited in line for about 35 minutes to get a real, honest to goodness cannoli.  We visited with some really fun Bostonians, got our box of goodies and saved them for the hotel. 

My first cannoli:  It. was. amazing.

The trip was great.  The history was great.  The town was great.  The way the vast majority of Boston men were blue shirts was great.  I walked all over that city and I figured out the public transportation.  I ate some delicious food (clearly).  And I had a great time with my best friend.

Boston was nice; Travis is wonderful.

Lincoln Museum

Last month Mom, L and I headed to Springfield for a visit to the Lincoln Museum. It was well worth the $10. If you live in the state and want a day trip - GO! The exhibits were well done and the shows were great (kids will love the shows.)

This is in "Mrs. Todd's Attic" where there are dress-up clothes and toys from the Civil War era. It was great, especially for kids a little older than Miss L. :)