TURTLE BAY EXPLORATION PARK

Having not seen Robyn since James was 5-weeks-old and she came out to help this first-time mama adjust to reality, and having not seen Stephen since the summer of 2008 (the same week I found out I was pregnant with James!), I was SUPER excited to see them today! We were very lucky to be visiting the west coast at the same time, and have a day to get away and meet up halfway between our home bases. That place may have been Redding, California, but Robyn found a cool spot to spend the day: Turtle Bay Exploration Park!

The kids slept almost all 3 hours up to Redding, and they were ready to go when we got there!

Once Chris finished nursing and appeared on the scene, my kids overtook his stroller (wish I'd gotten a picture of them with their faces smooshed into his...), then I got my turn. He is SO cute!

We attended the fish feeding...

My kiddos showed their true colors while "sharing" the truck on display:

We all enjoyed the bat exhibit (especially the echo cave). Cora kissed a bat (numerous times):

The outdoor kids area was really cool. Slides and climbing features and pebble digging and a working water trough.

We lunched at their cafe, which may have been slow, but was yummy none-the-less.

Then we headed over the Sundial Bridge to stroll through the Botanical Gardens (which are likely much more beautiful in the non-winter months).

The bridge was a good size walking bridge. We saw fishermen and jet-skiiers from up above. James thought it was funny when they fell in the water... Here are Jay and Cora next to the base of the sundial:

By the end of the day, our kiddos were fading fast. Cora passed out before we even made it back over the bridge. It was so nice to be able to catch up with good friends, meet Cora's betrothed, and let the kids explore someplace new. Thank you so much for making the trip (and the time) to come see us you guys - we love you all!

(And as a bonus, we stopped at my favorite fast food restaurant on the way home. James thought the workers/cooks were conductors because of their hats, and they gave he and Cora a couple so that they could be conductors too. "Hey Mama, I a conductor! Conductors need a drink! Whoo-hoo!"