Guess where we got to go this weekend? The zoo!! There are simply too many pictures to share. Let's say Mom loved playing the role of National Geographic photographer.

As much as I hate to admit it, this was one of the most talked-about moments of the day! I didn't catch the subsequent activity which made a big splash and got an even bigger reaction from the kids.

"Timone!" These little guys were a great hit, and a wonderful way to end the day at the zoo.

"Little I" as she was started to be dubbed this weekend took this shot of her big brother (trying to hide from the camera as usual).

At this rate we will be using our bowling passes for WEEKS! My little one decided she enjoyed taking pictures more than bowling ... and once even managed to roll her ball, come get the camera, and snap a shot before the ball reached the pins!

School Day #2 ... first bus ride. She was happy and excited about riding the bus (has been looking forward to this for years) until they got ready to pull away. Then the tears came ... both hers and mine!

School Day #1 ... A very happy little girl was waiting for me after her first day of school. She was all smiles and had a lot of stories to tell. The only thing she was sad about was the fact that there was no writing homework!

Tonight's event? Open House for the elementary school! I had one mildly amused pre-teen (CAN YOU BELIEVE HE WILL BE 13 IN ONE MONTH???) and a very excited 5-year-old. 

WOW ... a house at school! We have one excited little girl. This will be a great year! 

Adventure Girl loved breaking in the swings at her new school ... she's a kindergarten kid! 

Entertainment for the ride home. 

An attempt to hide from the camera didn't quite work. 

Funny face photo ... showing off silly smiles with 3 (yes, THREE!) teeth missing! 

Cheddar's passed their acceptable 18-minute food delivery time and brought free desserts. This one was HUGE ... and I'm wondering if it inspired the strange light squiggle!!! (It was a fun time in Springfield, MO - we got together with my cousin.) 

Nightfall was just as beautiful on our river cruise. 

Just something about being on a riverboat!! 

The sunset was beautiful on the river. 

We were entertained by talking dogs! 

My special birthday treat? A night on the Branson Belle riverboat! 

What was supposed to provide hilarious video footage turned out to be an amazing display of deft driving! She took Grandpa Byrne's advice to heart and instead of weaving all over the road, she drove perfectly! 

Billy Bob's was a treat for all of us ... well, most of us! This place was featured on Food Network and hailed by the Oak Ridge Boys as the place with the best burgers in Branson! 

A birthday celebration for ... ummm ... ME! 

We had a wild, impromptu photoshoot! 

We found a whole pile of kittens! 

My little one with a little one.