a hot time at moody gardens

I do mean that literally, it was H-O-T. We went for a visit to Moody Gardens last week and the power was off! We began at the aquarium which was actually air conditioned, then moved to the dinosaur exhibit. I'd taken Avery with a friend earlier in the month so we'd seen them roaring and moving, etc. They're not quite as ferocious when there's no power.

We ended our visit with a trip through the recently remodeled Rainforest Pyramid, or as we'll call it on this trip, THE TRIANGLE OF HELL. Of course it's usually quite warm in there, but without power it was hotter than it should be. Before entering, a worker had told us to move quickly through the top because it's cooler on the bottom - heat rises and all that. We opened the doors and whoa! There were fewer workers on hand inside because it was too hot and one young worker told us that it was getting bad for the animals. Fortunately the power was scheduled to be fixed later that night.

We all pretty much sped to the bottom where I decided to get my camera out and take a few pictures. I wasn't going to bother since I'd left it in my bag on previous exhibits, but they have some amazing plant and animal life in there!

Also amazing? The way my lens fogged up. We were so close to these monkeys, I could've easily picked one up and put it in my bag, but alas, I did not. I don't think monkeys are very clean.

And I only took one photo of Avery & Deran, and don't they look like they're having a blast?! Actually they both did enjoy it, besides the crazy heat. I contemplated trying to get a picture of the three of us, but I was perspiring profusely (does that sound better than sweating a lot?) and opted just to take a picture of my two favorite people. In really great light. Ha!

Avery was bummed for about a minute because we didn't get to see the Dora 4D movie, but I know we'll go back thanks to the season passes from my awesome in-laws! We all went to the Rainforest Cafe for lunch and enjoyed the river ride afterward. It was a great way to end the week!

the first day of her second summer

Today is officially the first day of summer, though I'd say we've been enjoying summerish weather and activities for the last month. And actually, these photos of Avery were taken one evening last week. I really do love summer - the late light, the hot temperatures, swimming, grilling - I just LOVE it all!

Every evening when we go out to water the garden, Avery inevitably ends up with the water hose. She especially loves watering the orange tree and then usually turns the hose on herself or me. I've gotten a little smarter lately and started putting her in a swimsuit before we go out.

Gosh, I love those pink ruffles! I kept telling her how cute she was before we even made it outside and she must have thought she looked pretty cute too. She threw a serious fit to keep it on when it was time for a bath. Feet stomping, arms flailing, crocodile tears - she really wanted to wear that suit!

This summer is off to a great start and I'm loving all the time we have to play and enjoy these beautiful days we've been having. One recent afternoon, several neighborhood kids set up a lemonade stand one street over. We passed by on our way home so we pulled in the driveway and I put Avery in her stroller to go purchase some pink lemonade. The kids were all really sweet and I love to see things like that. It makes me believe that the innocence of childhood hasn't been completely lost.

The summer I was pregnant with Avery I walked every night as part of my healthy living routine. So many times I wished for my camera! I saw a little boy, legs hanging over an ice chest, sitting inside it holding a water hose over his head. My sister and I often tried to create our own pools when we were little so it took me back. Now, almost two years later, the weather has turned warmer and I think about that scene. It's just so...SUMMER.

Oh, how I love this season of life! This second summer is going to be a good one.