• Travel & Vacation: Amazing Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom (Orlando, FL)

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    Brina ready to head out on the Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom

    The fast passes were gone for the Kilimanjaro Safari at Animal Kingdom before we decided which day we would be going to the park which is a sign that this is a popular activity.  We waited in line for about an hour to go on the safari, but it was very worth it.  This is the longest we had to wait for any activity while at Animal Kingdom.  During this safari we were able to see real animals in their natural habitats during the expedition through the Safari.

    We got to ride out to the safari where many animals were living in the wild.   We went through mud, standing water, on “shaky” bridges, and more while seeing animals at every turn.  Many of these animals I would not want to meet out in the jungle, however, the animals in this jungle looked well fed, peaceful, and relaxed.  It was a wonderful experience.  The kids LOVED this and rated the Safari as one of their favorite activities while at Animal Kingdom.  If you are ever at Animal Kingdom don’t miss this activity if you like seeing a lot of wild animals fairly close!

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    Karlie on the lookout for animals!

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    An okapi which is half zebra and half giraffe!

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    Hippo sunning itself on the bank by the water.

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    A group of hippo hanging out in the water.

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    Beautiful scenery!

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    That’s a lot of alligators in one spot!

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    Thankfully that big guy is heading that  direction and not our way!

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    Life is rough!

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    Very tall termite mound!  Surprised at how many of these were around in a variety of different sizes and shapes.

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    Giraffes nibbling on the tree!

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    Grazing!

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    Friendly elephant!

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    The elephants were covering themselves with mud to keep from getting sunburned.

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    A cluster of elephants rooming around.

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    The upside down tree (looks like the roots are growing out of the top).

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    Pink flamingos hanging out around the water.

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    Rhinos munching on hay!

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    Had to stop our drive through the grasslands when a rhino decided to cross the road in front of us.

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    Meandering along!

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    A gathering of rhinos helping themselves to some delicious rhino snacks.

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    Cheetah napping in the shade.

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    Lion sleeping in the cool rocks.

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    Zebras munching on the grass.

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    Warthogs resting

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    Ostrich eggs?

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    Zebras were pretty!

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    The animals were so peaceful!

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    Relaxing!

  • Travel & Vacation: Smithsonian Institution – National Museum of Natural History

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    Standing at the banister looking down on the elephant and floors below.

    The girls were thrilled to go to the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History.  Brina especially loves anything associated to animals.  Since we did the Smithsonian Institution of National Air and Space Museum yesterday we thought this will be a great next adventure.  Thankful for some fun times together!

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     Touring the National Museum of Natural History

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    OOOOOOOUCH Karlie!  This one has a lot of teeth!

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    Brina and Jake checking out the armadillo shell!

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    Doing their names with stamp calligraphy

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     Having fun exploring with my Brina Bee

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    Brina reading the sign and soaking it all in

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    Learning more about animals

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    Wow!  Some cool looking animals!

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    One big giraffe

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    Checking out the fun displays

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    They had a huge elephant in the middle foyer of the building.

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    Touching a piece of rock from Mars…..fascinating!

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    Karlie thought this rock was so cool

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    Whoa….look at those rocks!

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    The Hope Diamond is a 45.52-carat dark blue diamond.  It has traveled from India to France to Britain and now the United States.  The Hope Diamond is also described as the “most famous diamond in the world.”

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    It looks like the elephant is coming toward them!

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    Super excited to visit the Smithsonian Institution – National Museum of Natural History