Planckendael with my youngest

May 10th was a schoolfree day for which I had already planned a day off at the start of the year.  Unfortunately things are going crazy at work and it felt quite hard to take free, while Jan couldn't take off either as he was abroad for work, while Kabouter was invited over at friends which he really wanted to do. 

So it was just Beertje at home. I compromised for a few hours of working while he got screentime and then he got to chose what we'd do together. Sometimes it's a real blessing to have quality time of just one parent focussed on one child. 

He chose Planckendael, despite the fact that the rain was gushing down.   Oh well, I packed up our umbrella's and some lunch and off we went.  It was about time we valued our ignored subscriptions again. 

Despite his brother'd absence we first went to greet the red panda's.  Apparently it is now both boy's favourite animal.  The elephants were walking around just next doors. 

Then we explored the America's. To my disappointment the bizons were hiding out so I couldn't greet them but the pinguins didn't disappoint and the flamingo's were giving their most pitoresque poses to us. 
Thanks to the rain, which had stopped, it was very very calm in the zoo. 

After our pic-nic, we still searched to visit the monkey's and apes in Asia and Africa. 

Everywhere in the park, every possible stork's nest was occupied and busy.  I've never seen so many storks around. With their clapping, they sure stole most attention. 

 

And then we had to rush back to the car to ensure we were back in Leuven in time to pick up Kabouter from his friends in time and make it also to judo class.  But it was a fun little trip with just the two of us and going after impressive rain showers was a good move.