Abercrombie Daze

You may remember last year we took an trek up Stone Mountain with the "Abercrombie Women" and their children. Ryan's Mom [Twinkle] and her two sisters had the last name Abercrombie before they were married. So, all three Abercrombie sisters, along with their children [actually just the daughters, or daughter-in-law, in my case] and some grandchildren have now established a family tradition spanning two days and consisting of fun, family, and plenty of laughter around Atlanta. This year we chose the Atlanta Zoo, the Children's Museum, and Centennial Olympic Park. 

I had not been to the zoo since I was a Girl Scout, so this was just as exciting for me as it was for David and Rachael. Just getting to the zoo was adventure! [I don't do cities] 

Once we met up with everyone, our first stop was the bird show. 

David, Rachael, and Cousin Parker

 

Rachael tried to volunteer to be an assistant.

 

A few of the beautiful birds we saw during the show. 

During a pit-stop the three of us wanted to get our hands on Cousin Grant while we waited for the others.

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Then it was off to see more animals!

The pandas.

The tigers were sleeping and very difficult to see.  The red arrow might help...

Inside the reptile house, Rachael and I were looking at this giant lizard as he was sitting on a stick overlooking his water. She said, "I want dat yizard to jump in da water!" And just like that, he did! It was so funny. She thought he heard her! Then we watched him take a little swim around his tank. 

All the kids with the Kimono Dragon statue.

 David always loves to read directions/map/recipe. He likes to follow the rules and be the leader. So, he loved to help Kelsey look at the map to figure out where we needed to go next. Then he would "lead" us there with great enthusiasm, of course.

 

To the gorillas!

Many of the kids with the Willie B statue. 

 Where to now David?!

     

Jacob and David as prairie dogs. 

Rachael and David as prairie dogs. 

Rachael paused to cool off in a giant spray mister with Jennifer.

While David checked on Grant.

 

Both wanted to touch a replica of a giraffe skull.

 

There was a picinic lunch thrown in there somewhere, but it was a rushed blur of children inhaling food so they could get back to seeing the animals. 

At the end of the day I had two worn out children on my hands.

We all had a wonderful time!

I'm so thankful for this family and how they have always accepted and welcomed me. I am the only in-law in the picture, but I never feel that way when we're all together. Sometimes I forget that I wasn't born into this family.

But, now we had to get home because there were more fun times ahead the next day!

The following morning we all met at the Children's Interactive Museum in Atlanta. 

It was so great! Both the kids loved

 "Milking" the cow.

 

  

Driving the tractor

Playing with the moon sand.

And, most of all- FISHING!!

 

They split up sometimes too. 

While Rachael was busy grocery shopping, David was building towers.

 

David and Jacob sitting still to practice their meditating?! 

Rachael also enjoyed painting next to  her cousin, Parker.

Her completed masterpiece.

And she played dress up with the big girls.

After seeing and playing with all the museum had to offer we ate our picnic lunch right across the street in Centennial Olympic Park [also somewhere I had never been although I have lived in Atlanta long before the Olympics were there].

Once again, lunch was eaten very quickly so that more playing could take place. 

Just hanging around...

No idea what they were talking about, but my goodness, is this not adorable? Jordan and David having their own little conversation. 

Rachael making sure Aunt Nicole is taking good care of Grant. 

Then to the water rings we went! David LOVED it, Rachael did not. 

 

 Sweet Jacey helping Rachael into the water.

What an awesome two days!! We loved every second and can't wait until next year's adventures!