Detroit Weekend...Day 1

Colin and I decided to go on a weekend getaway as a family this Summer. We thought about Chicago but since we do that often enough we thought it would be fun to try something different. We decided to go to Detroit for a couple of days and we are so happy that we did! We had a wonderful time! The kids were great, we had so much fun at the Zoo and Henry Ford and it was just great to spend a few uninterrupted days together.

We left Friday morning on time and drove straight to the zoo in Royal Oak. It was a HOT day (haven't they all been this summer?) but the animals were still out and some were quite active still. The kids were awesome there, never complaining and really enjoyed seeing the animals. They loved the train ride, 4D movie and penguin ride.

The train ride at the zoo was a hit! Since it was so hot that day it was nice to relax for a few minutes as well. :)

There were misters throughout the zoo. We had to stop at ALL of them. Multiple times. It was a great way to cool off. Poor Colin was probably sweating more AFTER the misters since the kids always wanted him to pick them up so they could get closer.

This chimp as right in front of the glass putting on a show for us.

A chimp skull next to Abby...see the resemblance?

When we went to John Ball Zoo a few weeks ago Johanna lost her fluffy. We left our name and number and they called us TWO WEEKS later to say they had it. After a lot of HOT water, soap and bleach I gave it back to her. She dared to take it into the zoo in Detroit too but never let it leave her side.

The polar bears were a huge hit!

Everyone needed a treat on such a hot day!

The Dora & Diego 4D movie was GREAT! The older kids were thinking that it would be too babyish and it was definitely for the preschool age but the 4D effects won the older kids (and mom and dad!) over so we all loved it!

After the zoo we headed to our hotel, The Embassy Suites, and enjoyed snacks and drinks during the manager's reception (the second best part of staying at an Embassy!) and then went swimming.

Johanna is an AWESOME swimmer. She swims in the deep end like crazy. With no life jacket or swimmies. She's three! In the above picture she was swimming the full width of the pool. She did awesome!

Abby and Henry shared a bed. I couldn't resist this picture. They were NOT thrilled when they saw it.