The Audubon Zoo
Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:10:55 -0600
During our winter vacation, I took a walk down memory lane at the Audubon Zoo. Way back when I used to work here, but that was nearly 15 years ago. A lot has changed since then - there are some new exhibits, and there are also some missing (such as the hippo, who has since passed away). 
Chase has since outgrown the petting zoo, but that didn't stop him from visiting it again. Too bad, though, the little pig we used to be so fond of is no longer there.
These pigs now inhabit the old hippo exhibit. I have no idea what they area (b/c yes, I didn't bother to read the sign).
The elephants are still there! They are enjoying an afternoon snake of Palmettos. 
The old climbing tree is just as big as ever. Chase had a great time climbing around and swinging from it.
Things are never dull when Chase is around.
Night Herons like these used to live in our backyard.
The baby orangutan is new - and probably the most popular exhibit in all the zoo. We watched them for quite a while and had a few good laughs too.
The Audubon Zoo and the Aquarium of the Americas is famous for their white alligator exhibits. There are less than 14 white alligators worldwide, all of which have been discovered in their youth on the Louisiana bayous. These alligators are not albino, and the cause of their white appearance is somewhat of a mystery. They are one of the rarest animals in the world.
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Celebration in the Oaks
Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:55:06 -0600
Celebration in the Oaks is a series of elaborate decorations (and a few fun rides, such as the old-fashioned carousel) in City Park, New Orleans. New Orleans has hosted Celebration in the Oaks for as long as I could remember, but it has been at least a decade since I visited. It was a treat to visit the park not only with my family and Ben, but also some old friends that grew up on the same street as me (Marcy and Jessica).
Chase is one wild and crazy firetruck driver!
Watch out!
Classic Chase
Ben (my boyfriend), Jane (my cousin), Chase(my brother), and I under the oaks.
Marcy was my best friend growing up - and here we are - all grown up!
Mushroom Meditation
My wonderful, loving parents. Thank you for everything!
My mushroom.
I wanna eat it.
There's a miniature train that runs through City Park. It's a great way to see all the Christmas lights!
Hehehe
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Christmas 2011
Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:35:11 -0600
Photos of Christmas 2011 with family down south!
Ben opens one of his Christmas gifts.
If the glove fits....
Ben and I cookin' in the kitchen.
Chase opens one of his gifts.
Baking cookies!
...
On Christmas Eve, Dad read us The Night Before Christmas.
Growing up, I established a "Thinking Spot" where I used to sit out in the yard and watch tadpoles. Dad poured a little concrete pad for me. (He is a loving father whom I treasure.) Twenty years later, my Thinking Spot is still there...It's a little overgrown now, but it's still there :)
Woo! Ben gave me Halo - 10th Anniversary Edition for Christmas!
My cousin Jane, opening one of her gifts.
My other cousin, Lamar, got a really cool Darth Vader hoodie from his brother for Christmas.
We also celebrated Aunt Nancy's birthday with a King Cake.
Terminator Duck Dog (Mom's dachshund, Riddick).
