the bears' den at Cherokee

This is a backtrack to the end of July on our trip to Cherokee, NC. It's an Indian reservation that is thriving and very busy during the summer months due to tourism. We found a "zoo" of bears and brought the kids there. It's not much of a zoo, but when we're talking about 4 and 2 year olds, it's just a perfect size. :)

The bears were doing tricks for food and the girls loved them!

Curious George's puncanny imitation of the bear in the entrance.

One of the bear poses for food.

Thing 1 (pink) and Thing 2 (green) love the bears!

There is an iguana cage that is covered with chicken wire. Unfortunately, little fingers still fit through. Thankfully, with Mommy and Daddy's super sonic speed, we were able to keep the iguana from having a finger lunch. Thing 1 wasn't too happy about being told "NO" of course.

A baby goat was walking around saying hi to the visitors. Thing 2 said, "How cute!"

Thing 2, Curious George and I pose for one more picture before heading out.

my baby's baby doll

Thing 1 found 2 baby dolls last night and wouldn't let go of it. They are the dolls I bought for Big Bro when I was pregant with the twins, to get him used to having babies at home.

Thing 1 took it to bed with her. Daddy took it away because he didn't want her to have too many toys in bed, but she protested loudly. Finally, Daddy gave in and gave it back to her. (Though he again took it away after she fell asleep.)

Thing 1 is so cute holding the baby doll, I just had to take a picture. The other bear toward her leg is Coco.

Thing 2 was apparently still awake so I only got her excited. She also has a bear roomy, Zoe.

When Thing 1 woke up, I let her have the baby. She had to to have it in the stroller with her when took Big Brother to school this morning.

the newest additions to our already big family

Coco, Bubba, Zoe

(from left to right)

Meet Coco, Katie's bear and Zoe, Jojo's bear They have been in our family for a couple of months now. And of course, Bubba (center) is Matty's bear. Bubba is 3 years old and he's been through many-a-tantrums, and of course he's been through a lot - drool, stains, and grime. He has been told many secrets, but he is trully loyal (besides, he's probably the only one who understands half the secrets Matty tells him).