What a Zoo!

Today we packed up the kids and headed to Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC. What a fabulous day! Everything just fell into place. The weather was perfect (74 and sunny), and the kids were so excited to go. To add to the fun, Aunt Lindsay and soon-to-be "Uncle" Kyle were able to join us! There was some brief confusion with Adam when we told him Uncle Kyle would be there. "What's Uncle Kyle?" was the question. Hmmm...we have some work to do since the boys seem to know him better as "Mr. Murray." (Murray is the name of Kyle's golden retriever.) But the kids were thrilled to see Lindsay and Kyle once we arrived. Maybe after today Adam will remember your real name, Kyle!

Those of you who know Andrew know his love of animals. Ever since he was tiny and would only speak in animal sounds, not words, we have known he was obsessed. I am certain that one day he will have a career that involves animals. He may be a veterinarian or a zoologist on the African plains or a tankwipe at Sea World; but one way or another, the boy will find a way to work with animals. He had a list of animals he especially wanted to see today: hyenas (number one priority), crowned cranes, secretary birds, vultures, and zorillas (yes, zorillas, not gorillas). Unfortunately there were no secretary birds or zorillas to be found, but the zoo delivered on the others and so many more.

Adam was happy enough to see the animals and happier still splashing in some puddles that remained from last night's storm and running free in a new place. Libby was glad to ride in her stroller and spent much of the day contentedly munching cheerios out of the pocket of her bib.

Right now we have some very tired kids sleeping upstairs...well, two tired kids sleeping upstairs and one who just pounded loudly on his door (this particular kid being the one who is locked in nightly to prevent another stair incident) to present Steve with another flimsy excuse to stay awake longer. Guess someone needs to be told there are no nighttime hours at this zoo.