Family Vacation

Kevin and I have been wanting to take the boys on some sort of little "trip" before Baby #3 arrives. We decided to take off this past weekend and head to Springfield, Missouri. I know it sounds far from exotic, but you'd be suprised! We wanted to do something fun and then spend the night in a hotel with the kids (they've never been to a hotel before). Well, this trip certainly met all of those expectaions!

We headed out on Saturday morning and stopped at Steak N' Shake for lunch. The boys had never eaten there and really enjoyed the paper hats and fold n' go cars that they got!

About 8 miles outside of Springfield, we stopped at the Animal Safari park. We had no idea what to expect - but figured that it would either be really fun or a total bust - so we'd take our chances. They set us up with 2 bags of "animal feed pellets" and then sent us out into the animal park in our car. It felt a little too much like Jurassic Park to me...I couldn't help but laugh.

The rules:
1.) Don't roll your windows down more than half way.
2.) Don't EVER get out of the car.
3.) Enter at your own risk. Animal Safari not responsible for any damage.

Sound sketchy yet?

We drove through the park and were met by tons of animals - coming right up to our car so that we could feed them through the windows. I'm talking camels, zebras, emu, and buffalo people!!! The boys were in awe (as were Kevin and I!).

Then we headed to the hotel and went swimming in the pool. The kids loved it. They also loved staying at the hotel - it was so much fun. We played in the room, ate dinner and had movie night. It was just what we'd hoped it would be. Who knew Springfield could offer so much! :)

Henry in his hat at Steak N' Shake

Daddy goes in the backseat with the boys as we enter the Animal Safari Park!

"Are you sure we want to do this?"

HOLY CAMEL.

Jack feeding the camel a pellet.

Here comes a zebra!

A llama and an emu (we were not big fans of the emu - really creepy how they'd bob their head right through the window and into the car!)

A small crowd outside my window!

Henry throws a pellet out the window.

Jumping on the beds at the hotel (this was a special treat and is never allowed at our house).

Pillow fights.

Playing with the phone.

"Hello, room service? Can you send up some cookies please?"

"Don't forget the chocolate cake for Mommy."