Oden Adventures

For the day of Oliver's second birthday, we broke the family rule of not going to a public place on a crowded weekend, and braved the Oregon Zoo on a Sunday.  It was crowded, but like Oregon crowded, not like Los Angeles crowded and so we persevered and ultimately had a very fun day. (This was also cool because we took Vianne to a zoo (the LA Zoo) when she turned two!)

Checking out the black bear

and the bald eagle

through the log

to see some underwater animals

Next up, the petting zoo.  Which Vianne liked...

...but Oliver did not.

Saying hello to the chickens

I rode the carousel with the kids while Patrick took pictures.  Oh my goodness, the laugh that Oliver let out when it first started up, I won't forget for a long time.  Pure delight!

Snack break: Elephant Ears and Tiger Souvenir Cups

Sleepy Polar Bear - no tricks today!

This boy loves his outings!  He was as happy as could be the whole day long. Every time we left one animal, he said, "More animals!" and off we went.

Watching the elephants from bridge above

Driving the jeep

Vianne rode the Mama lion

while Oliver rode the cub :-)

(love this silly boy)

By the time we got to the hippo, it was clear we needed to eat soon...

...so lunchtime it was!  (Great kids meal there, by the way!)

Giraffes

Oliver also LOVED the train ride!  He was so cute, I just kept snapping photos...

Me and Patrick and that guy...

:::CUTENESS EXPLOSION:::

Back at Grandma's, playing with his zoo trip souvenirs

"It's my birthday, I can have Cheetos before dinner if I want!"

A little dinner

and Birthday Cake Ice Cream Sandwiches for dessert!

Oliver decided a spoon was a better method.