Minnesota 2017, Days 1 & 2

In August we went to Minneapolis for a long weekend to celebrate the wedding of Jon's other sister, Ane, to Ashok.

Luckily we had a direct flight with no delays. The newly walking Andy was no easier to contain and keep content, however!

Relaxing in the hotel room after arriving

The boys crowding into Uncle Chris' lap while at Uncle Ben's place

Two tired kids (Matt was so excited he and his brother could share a bed.)

The next morning, while everyone else finished wedding preparations, we went to the zoo.

But first the boys played with some cars and enjoyed a hotel buffet breakfast.

We went to the Minnesota Zoo, which is quite large and very nice. It has elements of a zoo and an aquarium, and recently redone exhibits allowed for some great exploration by the smaller set as well as some out of the ordinary views. Our Museum of Science membership got us a discount; reciprocal arrangements can prove very helpful not only to the wallet but also to the itinerary!

Exploring the tropical world exhibits

River otters

Andy going in and Andy coming out of the jungle tunnel (with its own snake exhibit)

Tree kangaroo

Tortoises

Waiting for the diver talk at the fish tank

Exploring together

In the butterfly garden. Sadly I missed the butterfly that landed on Matt's shoe!

More butterflies (I could share many more, but you get the idea!)

Snow monkeys (not in snow!)

Watching the sharks and moray eel

Touch a shark!

Andy studying the starfish in the tidal pool

Matt eyeing the horseshoe crab

Playful sea otters

In the "cave"

Very close to sleeping bears!

Not so close to the sleeping Amur leopard

... or the sleeping tiger

Down under for the emus

Driving to the Outback

You're not imagining things: there is no barrier other than those logs between visitors and the kangaroos.

Caribou

Matt waiting to touch the corn snake

Face to face with a coyote

Andy looking at the bald eagle

I'll post our other non-wedding events, then I'll post for the rehearsal and wedding. More to come!