Day 11 - Calgary Zoo

It has been fun staying in this hotel with our two families. It is hard to believe that our children have never met before; they get along so well and have so much fun together. Our rooms are across the hall from each other and everyone liberally pops back and forth.

This morning, after breakfast, we headed out to the Calgary Zoo. As soon as we got in the doors Dane got us a wagon to pull the little guys and Corrie had her double stroller. The little ones had a ball seeing all the different animals.

Cassidy has a special spot for Tsega. I was talking to him and Tsega was way ahead of us with her mum. He said to me, "I have to go. I need to look after Tsega." They are very sweet together.

Cool Dude Austin

Does the boy *ever* not pose?

I loved this because it is one of our little Gadisae's middle names. She is named for the African Savannah - and this is what this sign is for at the zoo.

Our Three Little Ones

I Wear My Sunglasses At Night...

Aren't They Cute!

I was beat from all these days on the road, so when we were done at the Zoo we headed back to the hotel and I put my little ones to bed, and the big ones went over to Corrie's room to watch a movie. I vegged on my computer and the littles had their nap.

After this we headed down to the smaller pool which is just below our room. It is a great kidney shaped pool with a hottub. Cooper and I worked on his swimming and he did fantastic with his swimming lessons. He is now able to float on his back, semi-float on his tummy, jump into the pool and get completely wet. Not bad for a few days swimming!

Briton and I played lots and I dunked him and pulled him back and forth through the water, and he got very comfortable with all the water splashing on his face. It won't be long before he is swimming!

Austin is happily swimming like a fish. He has been rather klutzy with his 'swimming', so today Caity taught him how to cup his hands when he takes strokes - much less splashing now. He is also learning to turn his head to the side to breathe.

I think we will work on taking private lessons when we get home, since they have learned so much in such a short time.

After swimming we headed back upstairs and ordered pizza. Pizza party in our room! That was followed by me taking the older 7 kids to the waterslide for an hour of sliding, while Corrie put the babies to bed. Again, the little ones had a ball while the older ones gave them sliding rides.

We finished our night with coming back to our room and everyone (but Corrie and babies) got comfortable on the beds with pillows and popcorn, while we watched National Treasure 2.

We are having a wonderful time visiting. I am ready for a 'holiday' - LOL! These kids have so much energy!