At the Zoo!

Sofia always love the carousel!

Ben wanted to keep on going even after

the ride was over!

Brian, Sofia and Ben waiting for the dolphin show


Sofi loved the fountain!

Ben and Ben

The Cicada invaders

Friday we spent the day at Brookfield Zoo. We take an annual trip to the zoo and it is one of our favorite days of the year. Each year the dolphin show is a highlight and of course this year was no exception. Later, we even saw the dolphins swimming underneath the pool.

This year there were a few new highlights as well. First we made our way over to the exhibit called the Living Coast. Inside you see fish, sharks and penguins. But the highlight was the fountain outside the exhibit. We didn't have a swim suit for Sofi but we had an extra change of clothes so we let her run around and play in the fountain. I think getting all wet in her clothes made it even more fun for her.

In Tropic World we got to see two orangutans named who shared names with Sophia and Ben. So we took picture of each child with their "namesakes." Do you see any resemblance. It's interesting how people interpret life within their own worldview. When we were watching the gorillas I heard one woman remark, "When we see these animals nursing and taking care of their young, I don't know how people can't believe in....." My head filled in the blank "God" but she said "evolution". Now, I definately don't think that beliving in God and evolution are mutually exclusive. It was just interesting to me how people see things differently. I couldn't help but think of God, his creativity and his sense of humor as we saw the different animals.

The cicadas were also a big hit. Everyone in Chicagoland has been talking about the Cicada invastion for about a month, but Elgin has been a big dissapointment. I haven't really seen any cicadas to speak of, even in the older downtown areas. But, we were not dissapointed by the Cicadas at Brookfield Zoo. There were sooooo many! As the day went on they got louder and louder. Claudia even had a close call with one as it tried to fly right into her mouth! All in all it was amazing to hear their powerful song. Only summer brings with it an energy like that!