Whenever the sun is out and there is some free time, Rick likes to take the kids to the Zoo.  They don’t go at the peak hours, but opt for the late afternoon.  It works out great to get there right when the gates close and spend an hour or two until the Zoo grounds close down.  With our membership, as well as our close proximity, it really works out to have these short trips, instead of having a big excursion that would take up the whole day.  Today, while Franny opted to stay home and rest, Rick took Cole and Delaney for an afternoon trip.  As always, they had a great time, although they did miss having Franny there.  It’s a much different dynamic when she is absent, as she tends to drive the direction, as well as the tempo of whatever activity they are doing.  But, it gives them a chance to do things their own way, which is always a good thing.  Some things, however, remain the same—Cole saw the lions, they shut the place down, and they came home happy.  Definitely, a good afternoon for these two.