June Happenings ...

After school let out for the summer, we sent the girls off to Camp AWANA ... a whole week of outdoors fun, on their own with their friends and camp counselors and drawing closer to God.

While they were away, we took the little boys on our own camping adventure.  We love camping and rarely have time with just the little guys so this was a great opportunity to spend time with them doing what we enjoy most.

It was pretty hot that week so ice cream and water was a MUST!!

(even for our dog, Jax!)

During one of trips down to the water, we spotted an eagle perched on a small limb ... this was SO EXCITING ... I mean, how often do you see an eagle?

Yea, I know ... he was way out there and a good look was not an option ... but STILL, it was an eagle.

(can you see him?)

On one of our days, we took a drive and found THIS!

Shalom Wildlife Zoo in West Bend, WI.  

We had no idea what to expect, but let me tell you, ... it was really quite a great place to visit.  

It may have something to do with the fact that we were nearly the ONLY ones visiting the park at the time, ... 

... but it is pretty large and there is plenty to see and do.  Even if there was a crowd, I think it is a worthy go-to destination.

Meet Mr. ELK.  

He was amazing to see and these photos do not do him justice.

He was GIGANTIC and as he was coming over knowing that we had food to give him, he actually towered over us in size.  His back came nearly eye-level with Brian!

The albino deer were really something as well ... so beautiful and gentle, amazing to see!

There were even horses, zebras, sheep, and ostriches (BIG ostriches) to see and feed!  There are also great big turtles (maybe tortoises), foxes, wolves, bears, rabbits, badger, etc ... there are really a lot of animals to find at the Shalom Wildlife Zoo.

I don't think the turkey is particularly beautiful but it sure is impressive when they get all puffed up trying to impress the ladies.

And, of course, my favorite ... the peacock!

But I have to tell you ... this might be my new favorite and I have been seriously thinking that I am destined to live on a cute little farmette.  This pygmy goat stole my heart.  He is just a baby but, oh, the cutest, mischevious, spunky little thing!!  

He was leaping around and doing gymnastics with a tree trunk and twirling himself around ... I couldn't help but fall in love with him.  At one point, he escaped his area and we were concerned for his safety so Brian picked him up, much to the little guy's dismay, and he put him back inside his pen.  

We later found out that this goat roams in and out of his pen quite often but that he always comes back because of his momma.  Now, isn't that a nice thought?

I want one!  or two ... or ten!!!

Anyone want to give me goat lessons??