EC 2011: That's What She Said (at the zoo)

July 16-18, 2011

On Saturday, night we hung out at the Lunger house. We ate pizza and then watched another firework show in their driveway. This one featured a glowing-eyed, fire-breathing dragon and a firetruck; both were smaller than real life. Paul and Norma were nice enough to drive Chris to the airport on Sunday morning so the girls and I could sleep in. Thus started the next phase of our adventure-- trying to have fun without Daddy for 2 weeks. Although we wish he could've continued vacationing with us, I think we managed alright without him.

We tried going to church in the afternoon, but Cora was way too chatty and loud so we left the services early. Grampy used all his lung power to blow up the kiddie pool for Ally and Cora to enjoy in the 105 degree (plus humidity) heat. In the evening, Grampy and Grandma Hoffman drove us into Raleigh and handed us over to my friend Jess for a few days. We visited with the Albrechts for a short while and then headed off to Carrboro.

We slept in on Monday. We were tired, feeling kind of lazy, and not in any hurry to spend all day in the record-setting heat. We drove to Ashboro in the afternoon and spent a few hours exploring Africa.

We rode the zebra-striped tram to the top of the hill and worked our way back to the parking lot. Along the way we rode on the carousel (twice), found a pressed penny machine, and watched the girls make "cylinders" on the air vents. Oh, and we also visited some of the animals.
We saw lemurs, white alligators, baby baboons, an elephant from a great distance, various birds, zebras, and giraffes. We also visited the flamingos, where a sign was posted: "The flamingos are in breeding season. During this time, please remain quiet as they are easily disturbed." After receiving a brief explanation about the meaning of breeding season, Ally stated, "I think it probably takes them all day to make a new flamingo." That was funny, but quite disturbing too.



Ally insisted that I take her picture with this sculpture and plaque. I didn't realize it until just now, but she had inadvertently stumbled upon an ode to "The Office".

Rest in peace, Michael G. Scott.