We went on vacation the last weekend of June. So, now that it’s been almost a month and everyone is “out of the mood”, I thought I would share some pictures. We spent the weekend in Omaha. It started out (and ended) very exciting since my almost-16 year old (Mike) drove the entire way there and most of the way home. Nothing like getting a ton of miles under his driving belt before he turns 16!

I took over 300 pictures on the 2 day vacation…I won’t share all of them here (at least this time!), because some were reference for me. You can bet that some of these will end up on leather once I’m able to work on some new framed pieces!

The first day started out at Henry Doorly Zoo - one of my favorites in the midwest.

This little marmoset had a cataract or something going on with it’s left eye. The lighting conditions weren’t great, but here he is. It’s just the sort of thing that would *seem* like a nice pet….except that it’s wild.

I’m not a huge “bird fan” - I mean, I like birds, but, usually by the time we are through the entire zoo, I’ve seen more than my share. However, this quartet (and the sextet below) were just striking…their colors, their positions, everything - I couldn’t resist getting a picture to share.

Okay, I don’t really remember what these were…..But, those stripey tails were the best! It’s hard to tell, but, I think there were about a dozen of these all curled up together.

I’m a total sucker for any waterscapes…this waterfall, which flows from the top of Lied Jungle to the floor (about 2 stories) is one of my favorites.

I’m not terribly patient as a photographer (and I’m using that term loosely!)….this Tamarin definitely tried my patience as he didn’t seem to want to sit still long enough for me to focus and get a good picture. This is as good as it got!

I just LOVE these tropical plants! I would have 50 in my backyard if they would survive! (Of course, if the humidity keeps up like it has been, they probably would!)

I’m also a penguin fan. Hey, don’t laugh! They just seem so happy - holding wings and all. Frankly, they remind me of a chorus line….I half expect them to start kicking their legs in unison!

Hehehehehe, SQUISHIES!! I just love the lighting for this tank….Jelly fish seem so darn peaceful to me - floating and gently flowing all the time. I know they are dangerous (I’ve seen Finding Nemo a million times thanks to my 4 year old!), but, they are quite beautiful in their dangerosity!

Here’s the first of the “family” pictures….This is my niece, Ashley & my football player (oops, I mean son), Mike. Ashley is also my apprentice. : )

This is a little picture of my girls….I cropped the image closely because my great-nieces were also in the picture, and I thought it best to protect their privacy.

These giraffes were definitely awesome (have I mentioned that I want to do a giraffe pictorial on leather? I’m serious! They are just beautiful!) There were some shots that I missed…when the giraffe to the left flipped her head around and they almost made a heart with their necks and heads. Awwww, it was so cute! I was a little concerned that it may be giraffe mating season, so, we didn’t stay here too terribly long.

This giraffe seemed a little more tame, so, Fia climbed up for a picture. : )

Well, if one of them does it, the other has to as well…Here’s Cori on the same giraffe.

I don’t know what it is about the zoo…it seems to bring out the photogenic side of my kids…Here’s another of Mike.

I couldn’t resist this shot…..It looked like the Ostrich was telling the Zebra a secret….a really, really, long one…they were like this for quite some time - then the Zebra started shaking his head like he was laughing - no, I’m serious!

These cheetahs were just looking for a cool place to relax…..It happened to be under a tree WAY at the back of their area….Thank goodness for “zoom”.

By this time, Mike is getting tired of the zoo….But, he will still happily “pose” for the camera.

The momma sealions were happily sunning themselves on the OTHER side of the rocks from the new baby…..as usual, the bull male was swimming around the outer edge of the rock formation making ALOT of noise (what is THAT about?)

Had to change positions for maximum sunnage.

This snow leopard was just rudely awakened by the zoo people. I think he thought it was feeding time, because he was definitely irritated when no one opened up their little door!

A pea hen & chick.

Okay, this is neat….I learned that an African elephant got its name because when it’s ears are extended, they are in the shape of Africa. How cool is that? This picture is actually from the train - and believe me, this is a GREAT picture considering that train ride!

This was actually before the train ride (I know, it’s out of order, but, I was trying to spread out the pictures of my animals children. …so, I let it get a little out of order. Mike’s still in a picture taking mood….I can’t quite figure it out, but, I’m happy to oblige!

Here’s a closeup from the previous shot.

Now, there was quite a bit of excitement at the hotel too! Fiona decided that she needed to learn how to swim. I don’t know why she decided it, but, she did…and she did - at least as long as the floaties were on her arms (by the way, they don’t actually keep them above water unless they are kicking, too!)

Here’s all three of them in the pool…note that Fia (in the middle) isn’t letting ANYONE touch her!

Mike was good enough to stay near here in the pool on the morning of the 2nd day…I didn’t swim that day….I had too much chlorine from the night before.

Here’s my baby…sniff, sniff….”swimming” on her own! I shouldn’t have been surprised, but, I was…

After the morning swim, we headed to Strategic Air Command (OH, I have some GOOD pictures from here…well, not good-good…more like “good-for-graduation-slide-show-good”)

Then, we went to the wildlife drive through zoo (okay, there is a name for it…it just escapes me at the moment)…These elk were right next to us. I DIDN’T break the rules and get out of the vehicle…but, I did open the van door to get some pictures (okay, and I *occasionally* stood on the running boards of the van and leaned over the top to get some shots) ….We actually had to stop for a few minutes since some of the herd decided it was going to meander across the road as we were approaching.

Here’s another good shot of the Elk…I could have TOUCHED them, we were so close…the kids weren’t happy…they were pretty sure that the open van door was an invitation for the elk to attack.

These buffalo were way up on the bluff….BUT, I just loved their romping and playing in the dust. I actually got a few shots of them coming up out of the water hole (before this)…but, most of those pictures featured their backends, and I thought I would spare you the hind shots. : )

Hope you enjoyed the mini photo shoot from our vacation….If you made it this far - congratulations!

There will be more posted eventually…although it may be after our next vacation, it’s hard to say.

Until then…..

Make Every Moment Count!

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 19th, 2007 at 11:26 pm and is filed under Life, family. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.