Bend a little, zoo a little

We are gearing up for Kyle's Kindergarten science project, during which we found this worm, which he named (apprporiately) "Wormy"

 For Spring Break (Woo Hoo) we took a little trip down to Bend for a ski weekend.  But the typical 3 hour drive is more like 4 or 5 hours when you have kids.  One of the several stops along the way.

 Oh my gosh, Bend has the coolest leaves ever!

 You can even sit in them.

 And kick them.

 Apparently I forgot to take any pictures while we were IN Bend, so this is a photo of Mt. Hood on our drive back to Portland.

 Mom Day with Ryan at the zoo.

 The boy loves a tractor and he loves to wear gloves.

 It might have delayed our agenda for 15 minutes, but how could I say no to that face??

 I was so proud of Ryan.  He conquered his fear of Lorikeets and entered Lorikeet Landing, even going so far as feeding one.  He did tell me, "Dose Lowakeets are cwazy jus like me."

 What the flock?  The newest members of the zoo were out in full regalia.  When I told Ryan that Flamingoes get their pink color from the shrimp they eat, he goes, "Hey, we eat shrimp too!  That's something that we and fadingos have in similar."

 Up close and personal with a croc.

 Nile Monitor Lizard: "Cool track suit dude!  What is that, a size 4, 4T? I'm shedding my skin right now, so I could use one of those."

 Come to me, sea lion.

 Get away from him, other little girl zoo patron - can't you see I'm trying to get a profound photo of my little one here?  Where are your parents to herd you out of all of my photos?

And lastly, I don't know why, but this photo just makes me smile.  I guess because I kind of feel like how this fish looks after our trip to the zoo!