6.22.2010
Decided to picnic today at the Ann Morrisson Park in Boise, Idaho along the Boise River. There’s a fun children’ playground and HUGE water feature that the kids can run through, splash in, and cool off with. So off we headed with some Subway sandwiches, chips, cherries, watermelon, water, juice drinks and sloshed on plenty of sunscreen and bug spray.
Decided to picnic today at the Ann Morrisson Park in Boise, Idaho along the Boise River. There’s a fun children’ playground and HUGE water feature that the kids can run through, splash in, and cool off with. So off we headed with some Subway sandwiches, chips, cherries, watermelon, water, juice drinks and sloshed on plenty of sunscreen and bug spray.
The fountain was a blast! It was surrounded by small islands of vibrant colored flowers, and a gorgeous sculpture of deer; it’s so earthy!
The zoo was the perfect size to walk around with small children, and the hills were minimal compared to the steep, arduous paths at the San Diego Zoo. A nice breeze kept the heat at bay, so we could enjoy the animals. It carried a wide variety of monkeys, lemurs, Prairie Dogs, lions, tigers, leopard, and sloth bear.
An African village was re-created and set-up right in the center of the zoo. Each of the kids took turns “teaching” class and trying to master the difficult languages, as they examined the authentic bracelets, necklaces, and skull bones found in that region. They chose to relax in an African hut and take a break from the heat, as they downed juicy drinks and observed the pair of giraffes frolicking in the dust, chomping on twigs and grasses.
Next came the penguins lair, they were playful and kept getting in all my shots and upstaging the kids! We adored them.
Next came the penguins lair, they were playful and kept getting in all my shots and upstaging the kids! We adored them.
The sloth bear and tiger were two of my favorites. The sloth bear looked like a North American black bear, and I mistakingly told the kids he eats meat - wrong! He’s a vegan. He had personality galore and was born to entertain! He loved the crowd and played to it. The tiger was happily munching on some sort of red meat and barely glanced over at the faces staring at him through the glass. He couldn’t care less; he was content with his mid-afternoon snack. Mr. Sloth Bear was my favorite - he was so cute as he played around and I’ve even heard that he sometimes sits on his rear end and waves to the crowds! What showmanship!
The Prairie Dog exhibit allowed the kids to go under a tunnel and up through skylights to view the prairie dogs at their level and feel like a prairie dog themselves.
The kids thoroughly enjoyed the zoo, and were wearing down (even though they still asked to bike ride?!). We had one last stop...the Historical Museum.
IDAHO STATE HISTORICAL MUSEUM
610 N. Julia Davis Drive,
Boise, Idaho 83702
IDAHO STATE HISTORICAL MUSEUM
610 N. Julia Davis Drive,
Boise, Idaho 83702
A gorgeous statue of Sacajawea (also spelled Sacagawea) and Pomp welcomed visitors into the museum. We have an added affinity towards Pomp, because he was one of the founders of our town in So Cal. Pomp is the nickname for -
Jean Baptiste Charbonneau
Jean Baptiste Charbonneau
Wonderful Indian artifacts, artwork, and blankets lined the museum floors, along with an old wedding dress, a 1600 warrior’s helmet, weaponry from all eras, and then we noticed the BEST part of the museum!
Various rooms were set up and well-stocked with the most beautiful antiques which reflected the 1800’s. There was a saloon, with the two-headed cow, gorgeously decorated Victorian Parlour, a Chinese Temple, and some artifacts of the Basques who also helped to settle Idaho. The Basques are French and Portuguese immigrants who are excellent shepherds and came to Idaho for a better way of life.
The museum's prize possession is the two-headed calf named "Deja Moo" who was born in the spring of 1950 on the farm of GL Benrose of Gooding, Idaho and lived for a few days. Mr. Benrose donated the calf to the museum and a local taxidermist mounted it for the museum. We bought a replica stuffed animal of DejaMoo and it's adorable! Kim Taylor is the Museum Store Manager and can be reached for purchases of DejaMoo at (208) 334-2120, email: kim.taylor@ishs.idaho.gov. She is extremely knowledgeable and helpful and even told us where to find....GELATO!
We topped the day off with a brief sit on Abe Lincoln’s lap (wished he could’ve talked and told us all about his experiences as President during the Civil War - oh, the wisdom he could impart). Lastly, we gobbled up some huckleberry gelato from Gandolfo’s at 405 S. 8th Street, Boise, Idaho to cool our parched throats after a long, but wonderful summer day in Boise!
