fun in rhody.

Every Memorial Day Weekend, we go to Jon's parents' beach house in Rhode Island. This year, it was pretty dreary and a bit chilly, so while we did make it to the beach for a bit of sand play, the highlight of the weekend was our trip to the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence.
When we pulled into the park, Peyton screamed: "My tummy is tickling cause I'm so 'cited for the ZOO!"

We discovered a super cool playground there (called Our Big Backyard) which had- in addition to many other fun things- several water-play stations there, so... you know, the actual zoo animals didn't really have a chance. 

This hungry giraffe is the only animal picture that I took at the zoo! Well, if you count this beautiful butterfly that Peyton was obsessed with, then it was one of two: 

Ollie loved being the Commander of the Fountains. He was giggling almost the whole time.

But he did relinquish control to (a very diabolical!) Peyton and take a run through a time or two. 

When we were able to get them away from the water, we found a really neat cave (which was Ollie's second favorite activity!), and a Treehouse with lots more activities, like this super cool wheel-driven kaleidoscope.

I have always loved taking the kids to Roger Williams, but the discovery of this new playground took it to another level... I know we will be back more than once this summer!

Even though the weather wasn't perfect "beach" weather, it was actually pretty great "photos on the beach" weather! Because I rarely get the two kids in the same shot, I get overly excited when I do (seriously, just ask Jon). Here are a few of my favorites from when we went to play in the sand:

Tomorrow is supposed to be beautiful, so even though we are back in Connecticut, I foresee more water-play in our very near future! 

I am thinking about- and so grateful for!- the people who are serving and have served our country ... and happy that summer has finally arrived! 

Happy Memorial Day!