C.H. & T.H. had a friend's birthday party at the LR Zoo so the rest of us took the opportunity to make it a family outting and celebrate Mother's Day a day early!
The big Silver Back Gorilla was amazing. His head had to be a foot and a half wide! L.C. & J.T. really enjoyed "spying" on him (peeking over the railing). C.M. was a real fan...he was wearing a gorilla shirt to the zoo.
We brought the Radio Flyer wagon, which the little ones really appreciated. The LR Zoo has a lot of little hills so...Daddy "appreciated" the workout he got pulling these little monkeys around! Here everyone gets a thrill watching the penguins swim around in their new tank.
Our boys had a great time following the penguins around and seeing them dance in the water.
Our girls enjoyed it too. They were pressed up against the glass for a better look. I am sure the penguins enjoyed staring back at the wildlife on the other side of the glass!
Mommy took her turn pulling the girls around and leading the boys to the next area. We were heading to the bears at this point!
Daddy & C.M. enjoyed hanging back a bit and posing for some camera time.
Everyone enjoyed watching the otter run around.
The Grizzly Bears really were the kids favorite. There were two and they were HUGE! The claws on one had to be 8 inches long.
Good thing there was the glass wall protecting us but judging from the size of this bear...we were glad they kept their distance anyway!
J.T. enjoyed her close up view of the lion so much...
...she "convinced" everyone else to come take a close look!
T.H. stands guard as his little sisters take a good look at the "mommy & daddy" lions. T.H. really looks after his sisters and protects them as best he can. It is really cute.
The three oldest penguins at the zoo!
And here are the three yongest penguins!
C.H. is all decked out in his new suit and looking quite pleased with the handsome results!
T.H. strutted around all morning in his gray pinstrip suit! He kept saying,"I look like Dad, going to work."
T.H. and C.H. are all smiles after receiving 1st Holy Communion. 
T.H. waits with one of his best friends for the processional to the front of the church to begin.
C.H. joins his brother on the bench after checking out everyone else's suits : ) 3 very handsome looking boys!!! They look so grown-up!
Comparing suits and ties...
A picture with Mom and Dad to remember this special day.
C.H. and T.H. also share a moment with Mam-maw, Pap-paw, and cousin C.O. (he also took 1st Communion!) before changing out of their suits.
L.C. and J.T. could not be ignored during all the excitement of the party. They demanded some attention and some photography! 
C.H. and T.H. enjoy some BBQ on the patio with their cousins.
A beautiful cake to mark this milestone of faith in our boys' lives.
It tasted as good as it looked!!!
