Father's Day Fun

In the previous update I made reference to a trip we recently made to a local zoo. I would now like to take the time to clarify my very loose use of the word "zoo."  In reality we were not at a zoo.  Instead we went to a place in Nowhere, Alabama where an Australian man and his dozens of wild and exotic animals reside.  Had to be an Aussie right?  Yep, that's right, we spent the morning touring the property of a very nice (and obviously slightly insane) Australian man with a rockin' spiked mullet and a passionate love for wild animals...only in Alabama!

I am convinced that the man selected Alabama because it is the only state in the union that would permit someone to have such a set up (although, I'm sure the bison would have selected almost anywhere else if given the choice).  Lions, tigers...even a Liger..or two.

Yep, a real live Liger

Bears, snakes, moneys, and several wandering goats.  It is quite the place. He charges a small entrance fee (all the money going to feeding and caring for the animals...which are all in amazing health) and he leads tours to introduce all his "friends."  And most of the time all that is separating you (and your children) from these wild creatures are tall chain link fences.

Good thing the animals are so well fed.  But in all honesty a man like this has to know how he is going to go...right?

Either way it made for a fun start to our father's day weekend.  But by noon we were all melting, so we had to call is quits before we got to the feeding of the bears.  But for those of you who are contemplating a trip out here, I promise to take you to our "Alabama Zoo." 

Of course, no holiday weekend, for our family, would be complete without a trip the beautiful beach.  So Father's day was spent under the sun (or shade tent for some of us),

 playing in the sand,

 and jumping through the waves.

Having his cousin Jacob there made our Jake much more adventurous in the water

(Finally brought the good camera to the beach)

But it did not make him any happier about water in his eyes

 

This trip was extra special because we went with Arthur's cousin and his cute family.  Jacob and Jacob would have stayed all day...but our tummy's started rumbling...so we all headed back to our place for a little Father's Day BBQ.  I felt a little guilty for letting Arthur cook on his day...but he insisted.

I know it is a few weeks late, but Happy Father's Day Honey!  The boys and I are so blessed to have you!  I love you more than words!  Til Forever!!