Just a Bunch of Animals

Yes, we visited the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC!

Jonas and I had a great time exploring the zoo with our neighbor friends.

Jonas followed his map to the Flamingos

Then we headed inside to the penguin exhibit where

Jonas found some great rocks to climb on!

Hello, Mr. Penguin!

Erin and Jonas

Next we visited the bird sanctuary where

Jonas was able to feed them nectar!

We didn't think we'd have a chance to feed the birds because

there were a lot of people feeding that just left.

Jonas was patient and very happy when the bird came

down and drank from his cup! 

Good things do come to

those who WAIT.

 

Surprised by the giraffe?

Sneak peek at the Elephants before the rain

It rained for about 15 minutes while we were in one of the buildings.

When it stopped, we took the train over to the botanical gardens.

At the far end of the gardens, they found this great BIG chair

and this kid sized house!

Just beyond the house... we found this trail.

It was a day for adventures!

Jonas found a cool bridge

And a BIG rock to climb

"I'M KING OF THE MOUNTAIN!"

After the long hike we found a cabin that was the site of the

old Saluda Cotton Factory.  Hugs!

There were pictures and documentation with the history of the site.

It will be a neat place to visit again when Jonas is older.

The old foundation that still remains is really amazing.

On our way back down another path (that we hoped led us back)

Jonas found more rocks to climb.  We could see the river through the trees!

We found our way back to the road and walked back to the zoo.

It was a really nice day since it rained and cooled off! 

This was our view from the bridge:

We made it back in time for a ride.  Jonas chose his favorite animal!

A couple of our favorite "friends" from the zoo...

See you next time!!

Mommy & Me Missions - June

This month our Mommy & Me missions took us to our local

Golden Harvest Food Bank in Aiken.

We were given a tour of the facility, learned how the facility takes in donations, organizes & stocks their shelves as well as how they

distribute to the very large community. 

They distribute to many food pantries throughout the CSRA.

 

Jonas took this great picture of his friends in front of the food bank sign.

The kids learned about how the community is helped by the food that people give.

They also had the opportunity to check out the humungous walk in freezer at the food bank!

Jonas took everything in from the back of the crowd.  We learned that when Jonas is older we can come back and help sort canned goods, stock shelves and pack shipments.  Someday he may be one of the volunteers who stock the shelves using the large machinery!  He really loved looking at the big machines they had in the warehouse.  He really wanted to take it for a ride.  He'll have to wait a few years for that!

We found out that the Food Bank does several food drives a year and does an awareness walk in the fall that we'd like to be a part of.  There are many people in Aiken that are not aware of this place. 

"Let your light shine before men in such a way

that they may see your good works, and

glorify your Father who is in heaven."  Matthew 5:16

If you'd like more information on the Golden Harvest Food Bank, check out their website:  http://www.goldenharvest.org/