Frederik Meijer Gardes [Part 1]

We woke up to more winter weather last Saturday morning - including (yes, ugh) snow. So depressing - this has truly been the longest winter/latest-to-arrive spring ever. (Luckily this isn't typical for west Michigan. From what I've gathered from locals this has been an abnormally cold, wet spring. What a relief, because I don't think I could handle this every year!)

We decided to take the kids to the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, because they have a huge tropical plant conservatory that they keep at 80F degrees, and it just so happens that their butterfly exhibit is going on right now. Nothing sounded better to me than walking around in an artificial summery tropical paradise, filled with thousands of butterflies!

What follows is a lot of pictures (sorry.) Everything was so pretty, I went just a little shutter-crazy.

Turkeys Are Scary

We had a pretty quiet weekend. We met up with some friends at The Critter Barn in Zeeland on Saturday. It's basically a big petting zoo, with bunnies, cats, baby chicks, sheep and goats. We thought it would be a big hit with the kids. But this was my childrens' feelings about The Critter Barn summed up in one picture...

Olive was scared of everything (granted, those turkeys were pretty scary looking. And aggressive!) And Silas wanted to be put down the whole time, which we didn't feel safe doing with scary turkeys running around. Oh well, maybe next time Critter Barn. I thought you and your animals were pretty darn cute.

A Dat At The NC State Fair

We are home! What a long week! While spending some time with my family in NC, my Dad, Olive and I got to spend a few hours at the NC State Fair. We barely scratched the surface on all the things to do there but we still had a good time. Olive loved everything!

You guys, there were MINI DONKEYS! 

:)

Sunset Cruise

Tonight we took a sunset dolphin watching cruise, and it was so, so beautiful (and so fun!) We were nervous about taking the kids, especially in the evening when they're wearing out, but they did extremely well. I think they enjoyed the wind, the dolphins and the gentle rocking of the boat.

The dolphins were a little shy, but a few popped up to say hello. Exciting. What I loved best though  was seeing the beautiful islands, lighthouses, and breathtaking sunset.

Can I just say, Hilton Head Island is awesomely wonderful? If you ever get the opportunity to visit, you really MUST go!

(P.S. Yes, the way Silas eats is pretty ridiculous. The boy can not stay still for a second!)