Monkeying Around

Here I am back at work on Monday morning thinking about the busy weekend that I had with Taylor Ann and I am happy but exhausted! I picked her up Friday afternoon after school and I don't believe we slowed down all weekend long. That afternoon, we toured my Uncle Clay's shop with some friends of mine. We then went to the house just long enough for me to change and head towards Bartlett to meet Jay to eat dinner. After coloring all over the table at Macaroni Grill and maybe eating two good sized bites, we left and ventured out to Pet Smart and then to Target. While looking for a bowl for Tucker we ran into many pets in the store that we of course just had to stop and pet. We even saw the cutest little Yorkies I have ever seen with dresses on and pearls for collars. Once we got into Target it was on. I told her I didn't have little girl paraphernalia in my house just big girl stuff and if she wanted something to watch, read, or play with we had to purchase it and take it home. Sleeping Beauty was selected because she said she didn't already have it and had never seen it. Can you believe that? I mean, come on, it's a classic. So, she had to have it along with some Littlest Pet Shop toys. We got home watched the movie and some Sponge Bob and finally passed out. Now, I do not have children of my own and am not equiped with the kind of stamina that mother's must posses in order to keep up with not one but multiple kids. Lord only knows how they do it. Needless to say, I was exhausted. So, much to my dismay, she was wide awake at 8:30am ready to go again. I quickly made her breakfast and jumped in the shower while she watched the movie, again. After her bath, I mentioned that we could go to the zoo..... which was a huge hit with her.

First of all, I think that everyone had the same idea we did, because there were many people trying to get into the zoo at the same time as us and we had a bit of a wait. We parked and went into the front gate and the day begun. She was so very excited. The lady that we payed to get into the zoo gave us a map, so Taylor was keeping an eye on our progress and didn't let me skip anything. I had a blast with her all day long. Her commentary on the animals and their behavior kept me in stitches throughout our journey. For instance, their were two leopards mating in Cat Country and she immediately explained to me how they were just playing while I was trying to divert her attention elsewhere. Each time we stopped to "take a break" as she called it, we played with my camera. She also loves to see the pictures we take right after so we would sit and view them together. She was so good. It really was a perfect day weather wise for us and all the animals. Most of them were out and about playing and lounging in the sun. The panda bear was a ham for sure. He would wave a paw and even stuck his tongue out for everyone around at the moment.

There have been new additions to some of the homes of the animals that I was very impressed with. The Northwest Passage exhibit was, in a word, gorgeous. I may be a little partial because the polar bears are my favorite animal at the zoo so I am glad that they are back and have a beautiful new home to live and swim in. The entire area was full of artwork, stonework, and carved totem poles. It was a must that we stop by the gift shop on our way out and she had to have something. We each got matching small polar bears because she said we just had to. Mine is on my desk right now. She ate McDonald's on the way home, and she, according to Dad, took a pretty lengthy nap all afternoon. I too was drained. I kept Grey until Mom got home and then I fell asleep for a little while watching the NASCAR race.

This weekend was a great success even though I am so sleepy today. I am looking forward to more fun outings that Taylor and I are going to go on. She wants to go the the Pink Palace, so I'm sure we will soon. Anyways, until next time have a great day and hang out with your loved ones as much as you can while you can.