Braving the Storm

Hurricane Irene made landfall in North Carolina earlier this morning. While the eastern half of the state has been dealing with less than desirable weather today, the western half of the state (our part of the state) has been experiencing nothing more than clouds, wind, and perfect temperatures for being outdoors. Our little family of 3 decided to take advantage of the breezy day, and spend it together.

First up: The Natural Science Center. What a great day to go! I assume that most people in Greensboro thought that they would be blown away if the stepped outside today because hardly anyone was at the Science Center... Which works out great when you have a 20 month old that likes to run from animal exhibit to animal exhibit like a mad woman.

Ava carefully counted the meerkats. "Uhn, Doo, Tee, Or, Ice!"

We looked at the tortoises. Poor guys, they are in serious need of some ash relief. 

Ava climbed on a giant blue frog.

And picked up acorns while we walked.

Ava ran and stomped up and down the walkway to the wolves. There is a sign at the entrance to the walkway that says, "Shhh. Please no running or stomping... It might scare the baby wolves." I guess since Ava can't read, she can't be held accountable... But we can. Oops.

Even though this next critter is technically not an exhibit at the Natural Science Center, I felt it was worthy of a picture. One, because he is strangely beautiful, and two, because he is stinkin' HUGE!

We played in meerkat tunnels.

Ava even got adventurous and went in some of the tunnels by herself.

As we were walking up to the petting zoo, Ava was squealing with excitement. After we entered the petting zoo, the excitement was gone. This was as close as she would get to her favorite barnyard animal.

Is it wrong that I call a spider 'strangely beautiful' and that I call this turkey just... strange?

I'm not sure which Ava liked better: Watching the otters? Or violently shaking the chain fence? Probably the latter.

After the Natural Science Center, we headed over to my brother's new apartment. As soon as we pulled in the parking lot, Ava starting screaming with joy. She knows that Ryan's apartment means one thing, and one thing only.... All the M&Ms she can get her hands on. It didn't take any time at all for Ava to figure out how to twist the lever... 

Lift the little door...

And enjoy the reward... x 100.

After a nice nap, we continued our family day by checking out the scuppernong grapes in our backyard. They still need another week or two to ripen up, but that didn't stop Ava from eating a few this evening.

We played in the fort, with a pink pool noodle.

And went down the slide, again, and again, and again.

We played hard all day, so that means we ate hard at dinner... As is evident by the black bean/chocolate chip cookie smudges all over Ava's mouth.

To top off our family day, we headed to my favorite place (and Ava's too). Need I say more?... 

I love my family more than words can express, and I am so thankful for the uninterrupted, relaxed, kicked back days I get to spend with my wonderful husband and daughter. Hurricane, or not. :)