Elliott and mom go to the zoo...by themselves

Elliott and I had our first trip to the zoo recently. Over the summer, we had the brothers join us, but they really didn't want to be there...which ultimately leads to comments like "this is for babies" or "I am bored" or "It's too hot, isn't there a rule that kids shouldn't be in hot weather today, mom?". After school drop off, we headed up to the zoo. We were able to be ther by 9:00 to enjoy the early feedings and NO CROWD! It was such a great time and he KNEW there was something different and special about it.

Even though it was a HOT day, the animals were CrAzY. The Kangaroos were jumping across the path (there were actually 2 keepers in the area to protect us from the crazy jumping animals), the bears were happy and and so amazing, the polar bears put on a great show and the flamingos wanted to sniff out the treat that Elliott had in his hand. I think the best moment was when a penguin came up to the glass and was interacting with Elliott. He was opening his mouth and shaking his head back and forth. Elliott LAUGHED so hard and was soon the main attraction at the penguin exhibit! When we visited the Lorakeets, and about 15 instantly flew over to us to drink the $2.00 nectar we purchased (price inflation even on the nectar these days I guess). Elliott didn't actually want to share the nectar and when I showed him how to feed the Lorakeets, he grunted as he was giving the sweet syrup away (not a good grunt by the way).
I loved going all alone with the little booger. I remember doing things like this with the other boys.

Here are a few pictures of our time together...
"E" is for Elliott...

Totally loved the train tracks (he is into Thomas the train these days)

Elliott in the Arctic tundra mobile

The Timber wolf paced back and forth, back and forth...He kept saying "Dog"

The Polar bear exhibit is totally amazing!

The aquarium, our favorite spot.

Um, yeah. I am like 2 feet away from this thing.

The silly Penguin

Not wanting to share his nectar...

Getting the hang of feeding the Lorikeet...

Enjoying the Manatees. Seriously, this is one animal that I will ask God about when I get to Heaven. I just don't understand the creature.


I wore my low cut shirt and the sting ray liked it...

I gave in and bought a Lollipop. Yummy yummy...

school is back in session

The boys went back to school. Yes, I was very happy to get back into the routine of things. I recently posted a comment on my facebook about being thrilled about getting back into the routine with things. Boy, I was not expecting such a backlash. A complete stranger messaged me about about my horrible parenting. I guess a mom isn't allowed to be *somewhat* happy about her kids going back. I love my boys, but for the last 3 weeks, all I have heard was that "I'm bored" or "this is the boringess day of my life". No matter what I did over the summer, I got the same reaction. Honestly, I am tired of ungrateful hearts. So, to the mom that accused me of being an bad mom, you can bite it. I thanked her for her unsolicited advice.
My kids are back to school, they are happy and I feel like a person again. What is wrong with that?