Phoenix Zoo with Cousins

Today, the kids and I ventured to the Phoenix Zoo with my parents and the Lyon family, visiting us from Colorado Springs.

Me (Ann), Sophie, Pam (Gran), Kendallyn, Aunt Karen, Jody, (Papa) Jeff, Dan
Charlie, Ella, Erica

Our absolute favorite animal, the daddy orangatan! He was great fun to watch. Charlie could have stayed with this guy all day.

Another favorite. This was our first time inside the monkey enclosure.

Eating lunch.

Erica Lyon (6 years)

Ella (5 years)

Charlie (3 years)

We finished the day with a ride on the carousel.

The weather was wonderful, we saw lots of animals, and everybody left completely worn out. A successful day at the Phoenix Zoo.

garden of the gods

Today we visited with the Lyon family at the Garden of the Gods for a picnic and some hiking.

The kids loved exploring!

Erica (Dan's daughter), Ella, Dan (my cousin), and Charlie

Charlie's looking nervous...

Erica, Ella, Charles, Charlie, and Kylie (Kendallyn's dog)

Now Charlie looks downright upset. Charles explained that they were on the edge of a cliff, and there is a significant drop behind him. That might explain Charlie's fat lip.

These girls are second cousins. They haven't seen each other in 2 years. They played like the best of friends!

Charlie's almost got it...just needs some arm action.

Great pals

Erica (turning 6 in a few days)

Charlie found this pinecone...

...and he wanted a picture of it for posterity.

The trip is never complete until my husband climbs a tree. 

I love you honey!