Lions and Tigers and Bears...it's not Oz, it's the zoo!

We took a trip to the zoo with some friends that were visiting from Mississippi.  In preparation for our trip we decided to bring our wagon and pack a picnic lunch. 










Right inside the gate Carter was  relaxed and snacking in his wagon.  He thought it was so cool to be riding.  






  

 We made our way through the Desert Dome and saw numerous creepy crawly things.

I think I told Carter about 30 times in the Kingdoms of the Night exhibit,  "Mommy doesn't like snakes." (hence no picture of snakes) Hopefully it sinks in.  Other reptiles/amphibians however are OK.

Carter and Peter enjoyed the bats.

Next were the Orangutans.





I think he is saying, "Hey, let me see that camera."

Followed by the big cats, this is the one of the Tigers.  Every now and then Carter would point and say "meow". It was so cute. 

Lunch time!

After lunch we went to see the Gorila's.......... 

see, 3 gorilla's.........wait..........

Anyway..... after the Gorilla's the entire front wheel axle of the wagon fell off. We retraced our steps a little and I found the nut that fell off, but no screw,  It turned out the screw was still inside the axle casing.  The piece that had done the most damage causing the whole thing fall off was a pin that inserts into the nut and screw, still have not found it yet.  We had to call zoo security to help us fix it.  

They provided us with twist ties to replace the pin. It got us back on track to see the bears.

This is Carter at the Polar bear, she was swimming a circuit in the pool.  She would swim right next to the glass on her back.  Carter thought that was awesome. (That is not a Polar bear in the reflection, my camera was too slow to capture that.) 

After the bears we went to the sea lions, but Carter could go no further.  The rest of us were kind of envious of him, he looked very comfortable and we were getting tired. The last place we went was the Aquarium.

I like the jelly fish, they are so pretty.

A nice ending to a beautiful day to go to the zoo.  

Shoes (Written March 23rd)

Because of the dog poo incident on Sunday, Carter and I made a trip out to get another pair of shoes.  I cleaned all the poo off the other shoes, but he only had one pair that worked for him.  He needed another pair, so off we went.   After forgetting a few items and having to turn around to go get said items, we found ourselves at Target. Target had a decent selection.  We got him a pair of sandal “type” and a new swimming suit with a matching swim shirt.  I have read about the swim shirts with SPF in  the fabric.  Peter pointed out “Wouldn’t just a t-shirt do the same thing.”  Touché Renaissance Baba.  

  

 We were actually on a mission for some tennis shoes.  Tennies with a soft, flexible sole because he is still a new walker and has his mother’s grace.   Our journey took us to Famous Footwear.  I had printed a coupon off and I was hoping that we could find a decent pair for a reasonable price.   Boy was I wrong.   I am picky and the shoes that fit what I was looking for were also probably one of the more expensive pairs.

 $37.00 later we came home with these.  I’m not sure when I signed that document that said my child would have the most expensive shoes, when really I wish it was me,  but somewhere in his 15 months of existence I did.   Daddy said “Too bad they are not size proportional to their price.”   Peter…..always a treasure trove of sensible, sometimes cheeky comments.

On as side note after discussing kids shoes with several of my co-workers my "buyers remorse" is gone.  If your kids don't have decent shoes it can cost you money down the road with doctor bills for bad knees, ankles, ect.  Get your kids good shoes! 

**Famous Footwear and Target have no idea who I am and I am no way compensated for using there name.  I just happen to shop at those 2 stores today.**   

Open Mouth, Insert Foot (Written April 7th, 2011)

This is terrible and I have caught myself doing it on a number of occasions.  It's one of those things that you don't even realize you are doing until the person starts to look at you funny.  You know how  when you are speaking to an individual of a foreign descent that speaks little English; and they say "What?"or look at you confused, so you start speaking louder. Their hearing could be fine, yet you are practically yelling at them because you think that will help.   Heaven help me I know I have done this!  I did it today!!   I have absolutely nothing against foreign individuals...I am married to one.   I guess it is one of those "open mouth, insert foot" moments.  I suspect everyone does it at some point.

Sick Baby (written March 25th, 2011)

Now that I am a mother I understand.  You hate it when your child is sick.  You want it to be done, not just because while the illness has taken over their body they become a totally different child, but becaus you feel helpless.  Little man has a virus of some kind this week, which has made him need breathing treatments again, take more naps and want to be with mommy or daddy.  He is running a fever and coughing a lot.  You feel terrible that you cannot help them. It sucks! (Sorry Mom!)  Well we are oping to be on the mend soon, until then, bring on the chicken soup and the extra snuggles! 
Mother love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible.~Marion C. Garretty

And Then.....

So I have been following  a blog and thought that it would be fun to try.  I know absolutely nothing about blogging.  One of the things I have noticed is that each one has their own writing style. There is no script to write one.  That is really what makes them fun to read…in my opinion....which is what a blog is about right?

 Oihouth

So here I am on one of the first really beautiful days, I am inside writing.  The little man is having some quiet time.  He really should be napping but will not give in.  We did spend some time outside. Peter, Carter, and I went for a walk.  Carter got to try out his new trike that he got for Christmas. 

            

He loved it!  The best part about this trike is that it will grow with him.  Right now we can push it, then, as he gets older the parent’s handle and the side bars come off.  He will be able to pedal it like any other trike.  We also ran around the front yard a little……..

Actually it was more Carter running and Daddy trying to keep up. 

Look at my handsome men!!!

Peter got Carter’s swing set out and we made our way to the back yard.  Carter had a great time.

At first he was not sure what to do in the swing.  He kept leaning way forward staring at the ground.  But as soon as I pushed him a little he settled back and enjoyed the ride. 

He chased the dog…………………and then he stepped in dog poo.