Donkeys, and Roosters, and Swings, Oh My!

We recently learned of a cool park that boasts many wonders including a carousel, a mini-zoo, mini-golf, a nature center, playgrounds, gem mining, water fountains, and much more, (and for cheap!) It's about 45 minutes away, which is still a fairly lengthy car ride for Sophie, but she handled it like a champ (meaning she slept the entire way there and back). Some might think she's a little young to appreciate the wonders of stinky barn animals, snakes in aquariums, and sinking that perfect birdie putt, but she had lots of fun. You see, she takes after her mother: she enjoys "people watching", or more appropriately, finding the freak in the crowd. Here are some shots from the event:

Cory and Sophia in the petting zoo.

I meant to photograph the charming youngster with the buck teeth, but I guess Sophia and Sarah didn't totally ruin the shot. (Click on it and look at it bigger - the effect is amazing)

Sophie's lunch break.

That's a rattlesnake that Sophie wanted to see up close. I think she might be a Parselmouth - that's why we can't understand a word she says.

Sophie on the carousel - she barely made it under the weight limit. This picture illustrates the reason for her latest nickname: "Beluga"

This rooster started cock-a-doodle-dooing and frightened Sophie significantly. This is how close she was to him when he was making all that racket (frankly I can't understand what's to be afraid of - I mean, look at that face!)

Sophie's first ever real swing ride - and she loved it! She was on it for about two minutes and we had to take her off because the chains were creaking and straining under the unprecedented weight they had to bear.

Sophie was all tuckered out and slept like a baby on the way home. We had a great time!

Washing all the animal, park, and buck-toothed-kid stink off Sophie. She's sporting a flashy Oompa-Loompa 'do.

And finally, Daddy and Sophie relaxing at the end of the day by playing catch and watching a wholesome family movie: Predator. We thought we'd start Sophie off early on the classics of American film-making.