Instead of talking about the week four of us ended up with the flu, which also happened to be my birthday week, we'll talk about the week (way back at the beginning of the month) that we took a little time off from school and such. Yeah, the birthday week was a complete bummer in every way so I'm glad it's a new week. And almost a new month. I need a new month.
Anyway. One day we went to the zoo. I'm pretty sure we have the place memorized, and we really go only to have a nice place to walk. But the kids always enjoy it regardless. The peacocks were out in full force on this particular day.
A lot of strange little birds were wandering around. (And several monkeys, too.)
I'm quite certain Hannah Kate has taken a picture in this exact same spot every time we've gone to the zoo.
And this spot, too.
And that was pretty much it for the zoo.
A couple of days later, we visited Avery Island, home to the Tabasco Factory and Jungle Gardens. I'd never been before and always wanted to go.
This just happened to be a highly interactive, informative and fun little museum and factory tour. It really was! All of my kids, even the youngest, enjoyed it. There was something for everyone, whether you're a visual learner or hands-on or auditory is your thing. I imagine it took a lot of work to design and plan this thing out, and it's just very well done.
You can no longer enter the salt dome on the Island, but they recreated one for you, and it was really neat.
On the day we were there, the factory was bottling Tabasco products to be sent to Australia! They write on the sign each day where the bottles are being sent to. They bottle daily except for Fridays so I'd definitely try to go on one of the bottling days.
Take a minute to read the Tabasco "labels" on the wall mural.
You can even purchase half or whole BARRELS of Tabasco sauce! I mean, I have no idea who would want to do that or even why, but I guess there's a market for it. I meant to go back in the store to (out of curiosity) ask how much they sell for, but I forgot to do that.
This is a great place to visit, and I'd definitely go again. We spent about two hours touring the Tabasco factory (I totally wasn't expecting that, but the kids were really into it) and then we went to the Jungle Gardens (where we spent another two hours). They absolutely loved that, too. It's just lots of spaces and places and trails and gardens good for running and playing and hiding.
If you look very closely above the top of Ellie's head, you can see a little alligator. Yeah, I was a little afraid it might come after them so we did this pretty quick! But, I mean, they just roam everywhere, and there aren't any fences or anything.
There were lots of fun hiding and climbing places.
Hannah Kate was fascinated by this little temple replica. It was a fun place to climb.
And there was lots more climbing . . . (although, on this particular day the gymnast was apparently a ballerina)
And lots of running . . .
And more running . . .
And they're STILL running . . .
My two favorite girls . . .
And. more. running.
The beauty of Jungle Gardens was a surprise. I guess I didn't know what to expect, really. I think we hit it at a great time though. Because we had such a warm "winter," the azaleas bloomed early this year. So they were still blooming when we went the first day or so of March. Those pops of color made a huge difference. The weather wasn't too hot. So, having said that, I'd put this on my list of "must visit" places in Louisiana but with a disclaimer. I don't think it'd be as enjoyable in June, July, August or September simply because of the heat and humidity. But, the rest of the year, you should totally go!
Oh, you know, just keeping it hot around here!
