2nd Week of May

Monday started off with a great day at the NC Zoological Park.  We started with a class in the Aviary as a group and then split up into smaller groups to enjoy the zoo.  As a treat we let the three boys (Amber is too short) do the new ropes course with some friends.  They have this neat new electronic clip system that makes it impossible for the climber to ever completely unclip from the lines for safety.  Amber enjoyed time below with other younger friends simply running around, then we took all the younger kids on the carousel.  

Our family is of the size that its cheaper to buy a full year pass than a one day admission, so we have Zoo Passes.  Having passes freed us of the need to see everything this visit and were able to just tag along and enjoy the company of friends. The only requirement every time we go to the zoo is that Amber see the elephants.

It also gave us freedom to leave early to get to Titus' baseball game.

Wednesday, was parent performance day at Amber's dance studio.  Somehow I missed the memo about this being the day, so she wasn't dressed up.  However, she didn't care and had a great time.  I really like her new studio (we switched mid-year), the school stresses the fundamentals more than just fun, providing her the basis she'll need for future dance and some practice in self-discipline.

Thursday was the our docent tour of the new "North Carolina in WWI" exhibit at the North Carolina Museum of History downtown.  This is a special exhibit made just for the museum.Jared hasn't stopped talking about it and can't wait to bring Chris.  We broke up into three groups; boys, girls and a brave mom who watched the younger children since exhibit was rated for middle school and above (though Titus did attend).  It was very interesting to come together after and hear all the different perspectives of the same exhibit and of course Lauren's adventures with the littles. 

Friday, we toured the Joel Lane House.  The Joel Lane House is one of the oldest in Raleigh, its originally owner donated the land on which the city was built.  All that remains of the estate are the original structures moved to .22 acres.  Though the property is small the docents made the visit large.  They were very informative, engaging and as you can see, encouraging to the younger members to engage in the learning.

Also on Friday, we had the much awaited, annual hatching of baby wrens on the porch.