The Meeks Family

Today we all went to Niabi Zoo to walk around and visit with the animals.  This is the last season for the elephants – it has been decided that after 30+ years of having elephants at our zoo that the climate is not appropriate for them here, so they will be moving to another location.  William rode a pony for the first time!  He was quite nervous at first and clung to me with one hand as I walked alongside his pony – I couldn’t convince him to put both hands on the pommel of the saddle.  After the zoo, we went to Fairyland for Nana’s Birthday Dinner and we all had a wonderful meal.

Mackenize, William, Lea, Gavin

Mackenzie and William are thrilled that their Vitug and Pettigrew cousins have arrived.  Looking forward to a week of madness, chaos, laughter, and fun.

William, Mackenzie, Lea, Kai

Another weekend, another hike.  Today the three of us (we’re really missing Mackenzie!) went for a 2 mile hike at Wild Cat Den.  William’s favorite part was being able to walk through the water in his boots.  He loved tromping around, throwing rocks, and watching the little minnows swim around.  The walk back was less fun for him because his boots and socks were soaked.  Next time we’re taking a pair of sandals along for him to wear into the water!

Today, Tim, Will and I went hiking at The Maquoketa Caves.  We’re not sure if we had taken Will there before but he didn’t remember any of it if we did.  He was enthralled by the entire place and very curious to see these caves.  The weather was warm and humid, but the caves were cool and comfortable.  Will’s favorite part was walking faster than the two of us and having to be told to slow down.  His next favorite activities were walking through the water in his tennis shoes and watching the bats fly around catching bugs (we hope – there were a lot of gnats!).

The whole experience must have worn him out because he fell asleep on the drive home (around 5:30pm) and hasn’t woken up since!

For more photos, click here.

Fell asleep on the way home from the caves.

We spent a fun week in Vincennes, IN, for the July 4th holiday.  It was great to see Mackenzie again after a whole month.  She spent time in Vincennes as well as Bonita Springs/Orlando, FL.

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I’ve updated our website theme in honor of all women out there fighting breast cancer.  Earlier this summer/late spring we found out that one of Mackenzie’s best friend’s mom was diagnosed and has been receiving chemo treatments the last couple of months.  We also just found out that Mackenzie’s other best friend’s mom is ALSO fighting breast cancer.  It is very scary that so many women close to me and my family are fighting this – AND WINNING!

We went to Niabi Zoo today and had a great time.  It was a little cool outside, but there were very few people there so we had the place almost all to ourselves.

On the zoo train

William got to try a little tennis today.  He’s not one much for taking direction or coaching, so we had to just let him swing away in his own style.

William playing tennis

We had a wonderful Easter celebration today and then an Angry Birds birthday party for William.

Happy Easter!

Tonight we celebrated Will’s 4th birthday!  Happy Birthday big guy!