Art & Nature

While most of the US is still grappling with tough winter conditions, we in California are basking in the sunshine and warm Spring weather. This weekend was no exception, with clear blue skies and near 80 degree temperatures. Randy was scheduled for work all weekend so the boys and I were left to entertain ourselves. I decided to take advantage of the incredible weather, so I packed a bag of snacks, sunscreen and water bottles, and headed for the San Francisco Zoo, with the boys and my niece in tow. Out of the two Bay Area zoos, the SF zoo is smaller, less hilly and more manageable for little legs to run around. 

The zoo recently renovated an awesome playground on the grounds, and I knew the kids would have a blast exploring it.

Taking a break

Sliding down an iceberg

My favorite part of the playground is the section that resembles a huge sprawling tree. It's like the treehouse you dreamed about as a kid, but better.

The "Arctic"

My baby polar bear

After exploring the playground to their heart's content, the kids were ready to visit the animals.

Checking out flamingos

Learning about So. American animals

No trip to the SF Zoo is complete without a train ride!

Cousins

Lucas woke up from a nap just in time for the train ride

The last pitstop was the gift shop where I let the kids each choose a souvenir. In true Cruz and Lucas fashion, they both snatched up swords! I guess the elephant head above the sword's handle makes it appropriate for a zoo gift shop...go figure. And in true Jessica fashion, she selected a tiny stuffed panda bear inside a fuzzy pink purse!

Showing off their souvenirs

I'm so glad I decided to take them to the zoo. I get so much satisfaction seeing them run around outside, getting fresh air and learning about animals and nature to boot. And after a hectic week at work, confined to my cubicle and conference rooms, I think I needed the fresh air and sunshine just as much. 

On Sunday, we stayed close to home and spent some time at a local art gallery, Arts Benicia. They had been advertising drop-in hours for a family art day, so the boys and I went to check it out, along with some good friends and cousin Jessie.

Getting some instruction

The kids were given a few questions to think about, and then were free to use all of the available materials to make whatever they wanted.

Questions for inspiration

Supplies

I was impressed that with just general instructions, the kids immediately sat down and began working on their own projects, no questions asked. I was reminded that children are so much more creative because they have no inhibitions, fewer boundaries and they happily allow their minds to think freely and create.

Two sets of best buddies!

The creative process 

Lucas' paper collage

After creating their pieces of art, we all headed next door to the actual art gallery. The current exhibit, Next Generation, is art created by Benicia students, from kindergarten to 12th grade. The kids were impressed that everything in the gallery was made by students just like themselves. 

It was another busy weekend, but so much fun! I could see the kids being stimulated in new ways and as a parent that makes me feel pretty good. Another school and work week begins tomorrow but already looking forward to our next weekend adventure!