Bio-Park Biotanical Gardens (August 4, 2011)

A nice area that is probably used for weddings,

or other special occasions.

Some of the beautiful flowers.

We did not get a chance to visit

a lot of the gardens because we had

a time frame to catch the return train.

A Dragon Fly that was photographed by

Dave Webster

Pa and Dave took the older kids

down a path to see the trains sets.

Thomas the train rides on this trail as well.

Bria in front of one of the many

displays.

Max in the Garden

We went down to the Childrens Adventure trail

where it is set up like the movie

It's a Bug's Life

Payson and Addi-Belle near an ant

Payson riding the ant

There was a bee hive,

a huge spider,

a dragon fly,

but they were all above ground.

Bio-Park Aquarium on August 4 2011

Our next stop was at the Aquarium. Pa just got everyone

a drink, and since there are no food or beverages allowed inside,

he waited for us at the rear of the building.

 The first

thing to see is a big pond looking down at fish.

We were able to see this again from a different

angle when we went down stairs.

The fish come close enough that you can touch them.

That is why there is a sign that says

"Do not touch the fish."

A Sting Ray

Looking at all sorts of fish.  The biggest attraction

is different sharks.

But there are all sorts of ocean fish in this tank.

Shatzi is taking a photo of the kids in front of the glass.

Payson and Addi-Belle looking at the

Jelly fish.  Bria said that she could tell the

difference between a boy Jelly fish and a girl

Jelly fish by what color they were.

"The boys are blue, and the girls are pink."

But she did not realize that there were glowing lights

in the tank that made them appear colorful.

Another big glass.  We could see

huge ocean turtles in this one as well.

Max is looking at a Sting Ray gliding at the bottom

Addi-Belle is looking at the clown fish

It looks like Payson is holding the fish in his bare hands.

Payson looking at the Sting Ray as it glides as well.

Orion

The view would not be complete if we were not able to see a scuba diver.

Usually there is not a scuba diver, but

this one was cleaning the tank.

Payson was surprized to see someone at the top.

Sitting on a star fish

Payson, Addii-Belle, Bria

Bion, Max and Orion.

Logan was in the stroller.

Addi-Belle

"What's this about?"

It is in front of a glass view of fish.

Payson

Orion

Bion

Bria

Max

Trip to Bio-Park (Train Ride)

     On August 4th, 2011 we all went to the Bio-Park which consists of the Zoo,
      Aquarium, and Botonical Gardens.  The Gardens, and the Aquarium are not
      near the Zoo, and so there is a train that runs certain times during the day
      to take you between both locations.  We are all walking up to get in the train.

                                                           Walking up to get on the train.
                                                        Ma picked a car that was empty. 
                                        She thought that way we could get one all to ourselves.

               Before the train came, we wanted to make certain that we were there on time.
               We got there a few minutes before the arrival, and so the cousins decided to
                    take a rest from walking all over the Zoo.  Logan, Payson, Max, Bion,
                                                         Addi-Belle and Bria.

                                                Taking a rest for a moment before the train.

                                                          Shatzi and Logan on the train.

                                 Pa, Dave, Logan   (next to Shatzi) and Shatzi taking a photo

                                                  Payson, Ma, Max and Bion in the train.

              As soon as the train started going, we all figured out why no one wanted this car.
              It was about 95* outside, and we were sitting right under the direct sun.  It was HOT

                                                                                     Payson

                                                A better photo of Payson, Ma Max and Bion

                                                                                 Logan

                                                                     Addi-Belle

                       On the ride back from the Gardens and Aquarium we got a covered car. 
                        It was much cooler, and everyone was much happier.  Logan was thrilled.

                                                      Grandma with most of the grandkids.

 

Trip to the Zoo with cousins

                             August 4th 2011  A trip to the Zoo with cousins Aunts and Uncles.

Bion, Bria and Max observing snakes and other reptiles

Addi-Belle, Bria and Max and more reptiles.

Pa wanted the kids to come and see the large turtles

and compare them with the ones that are in

Grandpa and Grandma's yard.

 a monkey

This looks like Orion checking out directions

a giraffe peeking over the fence

a male peacock walking near us

Orion, Bion, Addi-Belle, Max, Bria

all looking at the peacock.

We had a great lunch at the Zoo.

The kids meals all came in a souviner bucket

This was a pretty sight, a bird in a tree of flowers.

It was prettier in real life.  There were a bunch of birds

waiting for crumbs from the crowd.

Afterwards, we all headed for the duck pond. 

All the kids were able to feed the ducks.

There is a machine for food for 25 cents,

and it gives a handful of duck food pellots.

More feeding the ducks.  Orion is holding his

souviner lunch pail.

Everyone was so hot.  We found a spot that spouted water,

and the kids all ran into it to get cooled off.

Bria, Payson, Orion, Bion and Max are at this one.

Orion could not get enough, so he finally sat on one spout.