Family Fieldtrip Fun! Aransas Wildlife Refuge

We are so happy!  What a great day we've had today.  We went to a free fun day that the Aransas Wildlife Refuge put on today and we got there just a little after they opened.  On the way, Zane asked what a refuge was and after some silence, Jeff had the perfect answer for him.  It's a place that they don't mow so that animals can live there!  I think Zane got it!  The refuge wasn't busy at all.  The kids were shy at first, but once they got comfortable, they seemed to have a great time!  I told one of our friends from our church family about it and they all came too.  I think that made it even more fun!

Welcome sign!

All ready!

In front of a big truck used to manage grass fires in the swamp.

He warmed up to this display quickly and went back twice!  They had baby sharks, speckled trout, just all sorts of fish you would find in the saltwater.  Zane got brave and enjoyed touching them.

Rachel was interested too!

In front of a fire truck.

oooo, alligator. 

Off we go!

A new pollinator garden that just opened. 

Hi Zane!

We have to get this plant.  It was covered with butterflies. 

After a picnic with our friends, Zane and his friend climbed a tree and grapevine!

We went kayaking!!!!!!!!!  This is how we started out at first, but Zane couldn't ride safely this way, so he had to wait for a two seater and I got to go by myself!  It was soooooooooo fun!!!!!!!!!!  It was really easy to paddle, really easy, and so fun to be so close to the water!  I can see why people use them for sight fishing! 

Off I go!  This was a group from Rockport that was giving rides for free!

With Zane!!!!!  I can't believe he actually went!  I kept waiting for him to tell me he wanted to get off, but it was just the opposite!  He wanted to keep going and then when we were done, he wanted to do it again!  It really was great.

Me and my little buddy!!!

Off we go to the observation tower! 

It was a big tower and was nice except that the vultures had been up there-alot.  Gross.

Family picture!!!!

Shorter observation walkway.  Rachey was so happy she got to walk.

Looking at butterflies.

Cookie time!

We had the best time and hope to go again next year!