A great way to end 2010....

We had a great end of the year (I will go back and post about Christmas a different day!). Hubby works crazy hours for New Years, so we headed up to my parents house. It was COLD this year for New Years, but that did not stop us from being crazy! We went up to this park on the coldest day in 5 years....yes it felt that cold. We thought we would be the only crazy ones here, but there were quite a few others there as well. It was not too bad when the wind was not blowing and the sun was out.....but otherwise it was COLD! We lasted about 4 1/2 hours. It was a great time and one we will not forget.

Can you tell how bundled up they are?
Okay....he had on a shirt, a sweatshirt and this jacket that was a little too small for him. He was a trooper.

Pumpkin loved the hyena's! They would follow you as you walked by. She started jumping and they followed by jumping. These guys came about at the right time. It was starting to be cranky time and these guys made the kids laugh until they were crying!

We got to go inside and see this beautiful bird and a snake. I was not able to hold both Critter and the snake, but could handle the bird. Poor Critter wanted the bird on his arm, but the bird would not go because he was not quite big enough. It was really neat to see the animals that close and have the kids love being close. Plus...it was really nice to head inside and warm up! :)

Heading out to the safari for the ride. We all got carrots to feed the giraffe and camel. Pumpkin was really excited. She just looks so adorable here :)

My boy....

Pumpkin feeding the giraffe....

Critter feeding the giraffe. You can actually see the giraffe's tongue wrapping around the carrot....pretty cool! Unfortunately, it was so cold that when my dad stood up to help Critter....he hurt his foot. He was a good sport about it, and i know Critter appreciated it!

Attempting a picture with my kids....the snow on the mountains is pretty cool! We don't get to see much snow in these parts :)

This was the last thing we did before warming up! The tigers and "trainers" normally go in the water to play, but not this day. Even the tigers would not go in the water. It was really neat to see the tigers play though....

Happy New Years :) Not really sure what is up with Critter's look

My mom had the crazy idea that before bed to let the kids run around for 4 minutes and blow the horns and just be crazy. Somehow neither of them got hurt and had a great time!

It was a great end of the year. I truly can not believe that 2010 is over. It was a year of so many experiences. Even with all the hard times and the things we are dealing with, it was such a great year. We grew so much as a family. I really can not wait to see what the next year has in store for us. No matter what, i know it will be full of excitement!