We’re having a hard time staying away from zoos. We finished up our 52 in 52 on August 1, then August 8 found us back at the Central Park Zoo. Not to mention (but I’m apparently mentioning anyway) that we’ve been to the Columbus Zoo three times in the past month. And what better way to spend Labor Day than to revisit the lovely, the delightful Akron Zoo?

Seriously. I love this zoo. It’s pretty, it’s cozy, and it’s got a crazy-cool Big Cat Collection–including three 6-month-old jaguar cubs! Triple sigh.

I do realize that I’m 11 Zoo Recaps (from the original 52) behind. And I’m pondering how to work those in. And I’m also giving much thought to all of your super suggestions of what you’d like to see on the blog in the weeks/months to come. And I do know that some of you aren’t animal fans. But, for today, humor me.

I’m in a Zoo Mood.

A big shout-out to David Barnhardt at the Akron Zoo for his warm hospitality and the GREAT job he and his staff do to make this zoo our very favorite small zoo in the country! If you live anywhere near Akron, Ohio and haven’t been to the zoo, you’re missing out! And hurry, before the baby jaguars get any bigger!

Coolest Zoo Sign evah.

Be still my heart.  For someone who could take or leave (okay, leave. period.) domestic kitties, I love, love, love Big Cats (jaguars, leopards, lions, tigers, etc.). Especially babies.

Meet LeBron, Nakita and Bella. Not sure which is which, but LeBron weighs 45 pounds (10 pounds more than his sisters).

The proud Mama.

I heart snow leopards. Not as much as jaguars, but isn’t he (she?) pretty?

Such huge paws. Such long tail. Created with everything they need to thrive.

The zoo has three tiger brothers too. Just 18 months old and look how big.

He’s not as mad as he looks; just getting ready for an afternoon siesta.

Not a cat. But a cute little red panda.

And a rare (at least for us) shot of a red panda hanging upside down.

One of life’s great mysteries–the jellyfish. Fascinating. But I don’t get it.

For whatever reason, we didn’t get that many good photos from our first visit to the Akron Zoo. So happy we got to go back! No concrete plans right now, but I’m sure we’ll find our way back to quite a few of the 52. And some new ones too!

Some of you have asked about the books. They’re coming along nicely. A lot of work, but I’m not complaining. I love, love, love to write.

I just got off the phone with a delightful chap from a radio station in South Africa. We chatted about the Zoo Tour, and he told me that all next week, there’s free admission to all the National Parks in South Africa. If only plane tickets were free too.

In other news, Livi lost her 13th tooth. Soccer season starts tonight–two games. Take a package of ramen noodles to Pei Wei tomorrow and get their new Japanese Chile Beef Ramen 50% off.

Happy Nine-oh-Nine-oh-Nine, friends!

First, a little thank-you shout-out to our friends Holly and Duey who shared FREE Noodles coupons with us tonight. We’d never been before–yum! We adults shared a booth, and our five kiddos had a booth behind us. So, if we shut out the noise, it was almost like a double date!

Then Holly had the urge to bless somebody (she gets this urge multiple times a day) and went on a little school supplies shopping spree for Livi and Ava. Totally unexpected, yet total answer to prayer. If this ruffles anyone’s feathers, I suggest you take it up with Miss Holly. She takes great offense when people rob her of the blessing of giving.

Love you, friends!

And now, the Denver Zoo. First of all, let me say that finding a place to stay in Denver was somewhat of a fiasco. It wasn’t for lack of offers–I think we had six. Long story short, we stayed with a delightful couple named Tom and Jill Goding. Our connection? Miss Joanne, who was Jill’s daughter’s Brownie Troop Leader before Joanne and fam moved to Phoenix in July. Livi and Ava hit it off immediately with Ashlyn (8). They loved each other so much that all three of them crammed into a twin bed for the night! And little Lily (not yet 2) was just adorable.

Jill and the girls met us at the zoo (and again the next day–this time with Tom!), so Gabe had his hands full with seven women. We had a great time. Thank you so much, Tom and Jill, for your hospitality and friendship!!

Now, this is a rockin’ Zoo Sign. Stunning view, awesome weather–perfection.

Okay, got my giraffe fix out of the way. Do you know how long it’s been since I’ve seen a giraffe?? 20 days!! This isn’t going to work, folks.

The regal Maned Wolf. One of the first animals Nina ever talked about, thanks to Dora’s animal-rescuing cousin, Diego. If an animal hails from South America, Nina’s all over it.

I would make a comment about his dark roots, but he doesn’t seem to be in a joking mood. His mood improved instantaneously, though, that afternoon when he and the missus enjoyed a little conjugal fun just two feet from our family of five on the other side of the glass. Have I mentioned the educational benefits of zoos?

Me, Jill, and our five little blond girlies–Nina, Livi, Lily, Ava, Ashlyn.

The most dangerous animal in all of Africa. Seriously. Don’t mess.

A friendly native, a.k.a., Rocky Mountain Big Horn Sheep.

Now, that’s a majestic creature. Lucky Gabe has tigers just 20 minutes away.

I can’t tell you what a blessing it was for our girls to meet so many new friends.

We had a great day at the Denver Zoo! Up next–more new friends and GIRAFFE MANIA!

Happy Thursday, friends!!

Ever feel like you’re being stretched too thin?

Me neither. I just like this picture.

Have a great Tuesday!

(Photo Credit: Mr. Gabe Taviano, Denver Zoo)

They’re all over the place, I tell you. I’m flabbergasted at the way God orchestrates some of the tiniest, craziest details in our lives. How in the world??

Oh, I love Him!

Lots to share, but for now, heading up to bed to read a book for a bit then hit the hay.

If you wanted to watch the Early Show Saturday and didn’t get to, our friend David Hutchison made a You Tube clip for us. Thanks, David!

And friends, your prayers?? Were amazing. We felt them from the tops of our heads to the tips of our toes. THANK YOU.

Praise You, Jesus!

We spent most of our day hanging with baby (and grown-up) animals at our hometown Columbus Zoo. Be. Still. My. Heart.

Baby bonobo.

Baby snow leopard.

Baby elephant (Beco).

More pics from our Behind-the-Scenes Tour coming soon! For now, I’m praising, thanking, blessing our awesome God for loving me through today in the form of His Word, His Spirit, and His people.

Bless His holy name!!