Oo, Oo, Oooooooooo!

Today was simply an amazing day! God is so great!

We went on a field trip today to Wolf Park, a wolf sanctuary, and an elk farm with our friends The Bs. It was freezing, literally (approx 27F), but is was an amazing time.

Mrs. B had met a couple who's property butted up against the park. They also contribute naturally hollowed-out logs for the wolves, who like to climb on and hide in them. Through this relationship, our friends were invited to a private tour of the park before it closes for the season. And, we were invited to come along. (Unfortunately, Daddy was working.)

Just after our tour guide led us into the park, we were greeted by a beautiful male wolf. We walked around a small lake that was part of the main enclosure for the animals. About half a dozen wolves occupy this area. As we neared the other side of the lake, we saw bison on the right side of the path. We then approached a small enclosure that held two coyotes. We watched them for a few moments and then one began to howl. Our guide suggested we all howl and see if any of the wolves answer. For a minute, our entire group was howling at the cold sky. Then, we listened. And we heard many wolves howling back. Four wolves we hadn't seen as we rounded the lake had lifted their heads and were singing to us and each other. It was truly amazing!

We continued our way around the park and saw several magnificent wolves.

At the end of our tour, we came to a small enclosure that held three red foxes. Our tour guide gave us a singular honor - we were allowed to enter the foxes' pen. The guide gave each of us a few treats and we sat down in the enclosure to wait. The black fox, Devon, moved to the other "room" and went back to sleep. Ember, the red fox was very skitterish - she eyed us warily while pacing the other "room". Basil, who is white, is friendly and came to each of us in turn to same the treats. He loved the dried cranberries and ate them more than the cat kibble. We were able to pet his, oh-so soft, fur. He didn't shy away, nor did he scratch or nip anyone. He sniffed towards Kitty's face, wanting to kiss her nose. She was too surprised to let him.

Our new friends have lived by the park for 20 years, and have NEVER been able to interact directly with any of the animals. Only the staff who have developed relationships with the wolves go near them. This experience was like swimming with the sharks at Typhoon Lagoon in Walt Disney World - beyond words.

We sadly left Wolf Park and drove to a nearby Elk Farm. There were at least 2 1/2 dozen animals in the main pen, several of them born just this year. At least one was still suckling. In a smaller pen, was the main bull. His rack was huge! He was trumpeting loudly. It was such an eerie sound. At least one of the cows was chirping back.

They keep the big bull separated because he is "just plain mean" and is very dangerous during rutting time.

We had hot chocolate before heading home.

What a day!

(Edited on Nov. 30, 2008 to add photos.)

Disney, here we come!

Today we made the final leg of our journey, arriving in Orlando after supper time. We checked into our room, unpacked, shopped at Walmart for needed food stuffs, unwound a little and went to bed.

Once we left Marietta, we gave the girls some new dolls. They both like the Disney Fairies and have even taken a "quiz" to determine which fairy they are most like. Jules is most like Silvermist, a water fairy. Kitty is most like Rosetta, a garden fairy. So, each girl got the appropriate doll. That kept them busy for awhile.

We stopped in Lake City, Georgia for lunch.

One the way, we stopped at a welcome center just over the Florida state line. They offered cups of Orange Juice or Grapefruit Juice for everyone to try. Kitty and Jules realized where we were when the saw a sign that said "Welcome to Florida" outside the building. We can't believe we kept the secret that long! Perhaps, Jules was just playing along for the benefit of her sister.

Mommy had wanted to keep the Disney part of the trip secret a bit longer, but Daddy showed the girls a brochure when Jules asked where in Florida we would be going.

Okay, so now they knew. At least we didn't need to be secretive anymore. As a bonus, they didn't bug us too much as to when we would arrive in Orlando or what day we would be heading to the park.

Tomorrow we have a welcome breakfast at 8AM.

And, away we go!

Today we left for our vacation in Florida. Grandma stayed at the house and left after we did to maintain the illusion for the girls. We talked about where we were going as we drove. Jules thought we were going to The Lakehouse - a residence of our friends. We have been there before and stayed overnight, so it seemed natural to the girls that we would pack up and go. And, they thought that Daddy would get to go with us this time.

We kept the girls busy with some new activities: princess draw boards and coloring books. They stored them in their princess backpacks we had purchased for this trip, but the girls got them a few weeks ago.

Both Kitty and Jules kept asking when we would be there. We said we weren't there yet, but soon. As they watched movies later in the afternoon, they still didn't get that we weren't going to The Lakehouse. Jules did wonder why it took us so long to get there.

We spent the night at a hotel in Marietta, Georgia. We went swimming and then to bed.

Only one day to go!

Grandma arrived today. She is staying overnight, with the excuse that she has a meeting or seminar in town tomorrow morning. Actually, she is here to take the dogs to her house while we are on our trip. The girls don't have any idea where we are going. It's probably that Kitty doesn't even know we are leaving.

Mom hopes she has planned enough to be able to make this vacation relaxing.