First Zoo Trip

In my last post I mentioned the "LUCK" of having had such gorgeous weather for the St. Patrick's Day Parade...well, the luck continued into this week and so we took full advantage of it.  It is time to introduce Jackson to our long standing tradition of the monthly zoo trip!!!  After the first months of his life, carefully tucking ourselves inside our home to help prevent serious illnesses that can be associated with "winter babies" (and thank goodness all was well!), it was time to air ourselves out!  What better place than the zoo?

It was a fun day, slow and easy, we didn't over do it.  Jackson slept through a lot of the jaunt, but it was wonderful having him with us.  The last visit we made to the zoo, for the Christmas celebration, he was nearly here but the trip was hard on me.  Now, I've got all my boys. 

What a fun first trip!

Lynn

Christmas at the Zoo!

Always one of our most favorite Christmas activities, our annual visit to the event didn't disappoint!  It was lovely, fun and fairly warm (read: this pregnant chick walked most of the zoo sans coat and endured several stares and even a gasp or two at the sheer size of THE BELLY and the fact it wasn't hidden behind a coat.  I was HOT). 
McKinley enjoyed decorating a cookie, visiting Santa, sharing a treat with his parents and, no surprise, the beautiful nighttime train ride through the zoo.  So many beautiful lights! 
I admit, I completely hit my wall toward the end of the evening and had to take a rest while McKinley & Cary rode the carousel.  They had a great time though and I took a little break. 
Our trip wasn't complete without visiting our very favorite tree on the zoo property at White River Gardens.  It's always breath taking, total photo op!  The zoo is always gorgeous at Christmas but I'm always so amazed by the gorgeous display inside the Greenhouse at the Gardens.  The poinsettia varieties are magnificent. 

We ended our night with a late dinner at Red Robin....YUUUUUUUM (admit it, you just sang the jingle.  I did.), where we got our biggest laugh of the night: me fitting in the booth!  Holy Baby Belly, Batman!

Loving the holidays,
Lynn

We don't need mistletoe!

In front of our favorite tree

Art a la Cookie

Train ride...should've seen me trying to squeeze in and out with THE BELLY!

Our sweet McKinley

The perfect fall weekend

Cary had the entire weekend off, so lots of fun was in order! Two of our very favorite fall traditions: Picking the perfect pumpkin at Anderson's Orchard and Zoo Boo! McKinley's AWESOME Halloween costume isn't ready yet so he chose to revisit the mail man from two years ago, but this time he asked to use his Dad's hat since the costume hat no longer fits. I must say, he certainly looked the part - and a lot like his Daddy!

We had such a wonderful weekend. I love the fall. So thankful for beautiful weather and an entire weekend to dedicate to family fun...

Lynn

Zoo Trip

Another fun trip to the zoo! This time we briefly met up with my friend Kylie and her two boys. They had a blast in the splash park, which was perfect because it was a HOT, HOT day! When I pulled my camera from my bag I bumped the setting, didn't have time to check because I was trying to capture some real cuteness, so the photos of the boys ended up blue! Honestly, kind of a cool mistake!

Kylie and company left shortly after the splashing, but McKinley and I stayed to close the place down...surprise, surprise! We had so much fun together and even stopped off and had dinner in Plainfield at Panda Express, a favorite of ours. It was great to spend a little time with friends and even more fun to spend such a great day with my boy.

This was the first time since the new Tiger exhibit opened that we had a chance to visit and were we treated with a sight! Several tigers were up close and personal with us, much like the Cheetah exhibit. We even saw a Tiger stretch all the way up (and trust me, it was at least 8 feet worth of stretching...vertically) right beside the viewing glass. Another tiger took a drink from the stream, and another tiger paced back and forth checking out each person viewing. Very interesting, and a little freaky too...

And of course, no zoo trip is complete without at least one ride on the train!

Lynn

Ticking some Teeth and jumping around

It's Spring Break! That means F-U-N for McKinley! All in one day we packed in the Zoo, a Dental Visit, a Jumpy-Place visit and dinner at a pizza place where a train delivered our drinks. We were all exhausted afterward but what a fun day.

The zoo was good to us as always, and it was so nice to have Nonna along for the ride...train ride! We didn't get to see many animals because we again stood in a very long line for the train, but who cares because it was a beautiful day and our boy was smiling from ear to ear. He insisted on sitting with Nonna during the train ride - precious.

Soon we were back in the car heading for McKinley's dentist. Upon our arrival McKinley promptly headed for the basketball court. Yep...BASKETBALL COURT at a pediatric dentist. Nice. We played together, then McKinley was ready for his cleaning. The dentist called it 'tickling some teeth', which really stuck with McKinley and made him giggle. I'm so proud to report that those sweet little chomps are flawless.

Cue us jumping back in the car to head to the 'jumpy place' where I surprised McKinley by meeting up with Robin, Savannah and Austin. It's a good thing we were at a jumpy place because he was a jumpin' when he found that out!

The kids played (i.e. slid, jumped, bounced, climbed, weaved, shimmied) for over an hour. Well worth the price of admission...and an excellent way to work up an appetite!

Again...back in the car to the pizza place. McKinley officially thought this place was the bee's knees. Train stuff EVERYWHERE. A locomotive and cars were lined up in rows where we would sit and a miniature train brought us our drinks. McKinley was a kid in a candy store. So much so that he could barely eat! Oh well, he had fun.

Soon McKinley will be back at school, so it has been so nice to spend this time with him all week, much like we did every day until he started school this year!

Happy Spring Break!

Lynn

Zoo & More!

McKinley and I had an awesome trip to the zoo today! It was warm, gorgeous and the TRAIN WAS RUNNING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I truly thought McKinley might pee his pants...and I mean that in the literal sense. We waited in line so long that we immediately had to leave after our ride ended (we had to pick up my Mom and Carrie from the airport), but it was worth every second when that child saw his beloved train coming around the bend ready for HIM! It felt like McKinley and I were the only ones on the train for that ride - even though it was completely full. And the funny thing was I really didn't think we were going to get on THAT one! We had been in line, wrapped around the waiting area for three train rides already. When they stopped the line with one other party in front of us, I even thought I would cry! Then, luck was on our side! The train conductor asked how many were in our party as the one in front of us was too big. When she saw it was just us (she had assumed that the people who knew nothing about personal space standing behind us TOUCHING me and McKinley's backpack were with us) she said, "Oh! Just two?! Well COME ON!!!!"

You do NOT have to tell MY son to come on to ANY train twice. Like lightning he was choosing a seat (one out of only two left). We sat side-by-side and he gripped my hand so tight. It was the sweetest thing in the world and almost made me cry. McKinley pulled out his little video camera and took some shots as the ride left the station. He looked at me and smiled that wide, toothy smile that tells me he is supremely happy...it was a great moment.

He really didn't even care that much that I insisted he sit in the stroller as I practically sprinted to the car to make it to my Mom on time. I'm pleased to say that we DID arrive at the airport, not only on time, but EARLY (yes, folks...ME. EARLY. It CAN happen!). McKinley was so happy to see his Nonna and Carrie too! He talked their arms off all the way home!

Have I mentioned that we LOVE THE ZOO???????????????????????

Lynn

Dear Zoo,

See this face?

It pretty much sums it up...we've missed you so! It has been a long, hard winter, so our impromtu zoo visit, though short and without many un-cold-friendly animals, was so sweet. A wonderful taste of the spring and summer to come, full of many visits to one of McKinley's very favorite destinations.

The highlight of my day? This photo...

Despite the glare (because when you are trying to capture a poignant photo of a 3 1/2 year old and a cheetah, one must work quickly and forego some camera modifications) it still turned out pretty well. How many children can go face-to-face with a cheetah...well, safely that is. Unless you are Diego (from Go Diego Go for those who do not speak Nick Jr.), there aren't a lot of opportunities to be 2 inches of glass from a rare cat. Funniest part: McKinley saying, "Awwww! Come here sweet kitty! I wish I could pet you!" Yeah, I'm pretty sure the cheetah had a wish of her own!

Beautiful day, zoo, we will see you soon!

Lynn

A weekend of Christmas Events

With inclement weather undoubtedly on its way, we decided to make our second annual trip to the Christmas at the Zoo on Friday evening. Along for the ride was Savannah, much to the delight of all! I was pretty impressed with how quickly Cary and I and Robin threw this trip together!

We began our journey by listening to the Polar Express, the we listened to some Christmas Carols, and Savannah even grabbed a quick nap. When we arrived at the zoo, Cary and I strapped the two strollers together with Robin & Rick's handy-dandy-stroller-strappy-things and in we went to the beautiful zoo.

I made hot cocoa for the trip, which proved to be a real bonus for the kiddos, keeping them toasty on the inside. Before we even got inside I was doling out some yummies, resulting in chocolaty mustaches all around. Too cute!

Our visit started at the Oceans, where the seals and sea lions were all too happy to be the first entertainers. What a welcoming crew they were! Savannah and McKinley laughed and laughed as they swam by so fast.

On we went, walking through the darkness and enjoying the beautiful lights - it was gorgeous. We found Santa's village, inside we purchased two cookies for the kids to decorate. Both of them were BIG fans of the sprinkles. Mounds of sprinkles atop a strangely shaped cookie...love it! We sat down with a few other treats and drinks before heading onto the next stop, McKinley's favorite: THE TRAIN!

The line for the train was crazy long, but worth it! McKinley and Savannah insisted on sitting together, which meant a little cozy seat for me and Cary - and a great and rare photo op of the two of us! McKinley and Savannah were snuggled side-by-side under the blankets, grinning from ear to ear the whole time.

When the train was over (and beautiful it was...as always) we ventured to the carousel. Savannah said she wanted to ride an elephant, we found one right away! It was in between a monkey - for McKinley, and a horse - for me, as requested by Savannah. Fun, but cold...that horse was really, really cold. Funny how you don't notice those things when you're little.

Our night was far from over, time for the dolphin show! The kids LOVED the special Christmas show and were itching for the dolphins (or whales, as Savannah called them) to get the 'meatballs' (the small balls suspended from the ceiling of the arena). When they finally got them I don't think two kids in the entire place were louder than our crew.

After the dolphin show we finished our walk around all the pretty lights - I really liked the way the splash park was lit with a sound and light show. Very creative! Savannah noticed a light display of a raccoon, which honestly resembled a cat more than a raccoon. She was eager to point out that it was Valentine! So nice of her to remember our girl! McKinley really liked the 'turkey' - aka peacock. And the falling lights tree was breathtaking and enjoyed by all!

We left the zoo and walked to the White River Gardens. It is always so beautiful, but huge Christmas tree and the butterfly observatory are amazing with the holiday displays. The poinsettias in the observatory are insane.

The kids enjoyed visiting with the reindeer. Savannah said, "Wow, Lynn, they have really big ant-a-lers" How cute is that??? McKinley begged for pennies to throw in the little coy pond. And both kids loved looking at all the beautiful trees on display upstairs.

As with most things the Vernon family does, we closed the place down! The kids were pretty pooped and we were all hungry, so we quickly loaded up the strollers, blankets and stuff. Equally as quickly, we agreed on Red Robin for dinner.

McKinley and Savannah happily drew pictures for one another while we waited for our food. When we were finished, Savannah could stand it no more and suddenly ducked under the table, reappearing on the other side, next to McKinley. She threw her arms around him - surprising him so much he turned to me and said, "Mommy! Savannah is hugging me a lot...really hard!" He loved it. The hugging ensued and a small crowd gathered. Savannah said, "Lynn! Take a picture!" Of COURSE I left the camera in the car...so cell phone to the rescue! Just after I took the photo both kids simultaneously fell onto the booth, still hugging and laughing hysterically. It was a moment...

We piled in the car and settled in with blankets. Soon both kids were sound asleep...a good sign that the night was in deed a success.

Below, some of our fun pics! Also mixed in are the Clabber Girl photos -- the blog is acting up and won't let me put my pics where I want them! Grrrr!

The next morning we had plans with the Semmler fam to go to the Build & Grow Clinic and on to Clabber Girl's annual Country Christmas. The four of us were pretty tired from the zoo trip, so we agreed to pick up the kits and make it a late date at Clabber Girl. My Mom came with McKinley and I (sadly, Cary had to work today...) and we met the Semmler's and immediately dug in for some Christmas Crafting fun. McKinley and Savannah had their faces painted (McKinley, a candy cane. Savannah, a snowman) got a special personalized gingerbread cookie, they helped make a 'mouse' cookie, created an elf out of a little rolling pin, a reindeer out of a clothes pin and made a sweet bottle of sand art and a cookie-cutter ornament. We all had lunch together before Savannah and her fam had to leave for a family gathering. My Mom and I took McKinley over to see Santa. He still remembers that last year he got to watch Santa come back from his break by way of an elevator. This year, Santa waited for McKinley in his sleigh, but was his usually jolly old self. Santa asked McKinley what he would like for Christmas, McKinley told him he wanted a big bicycle and a big drum set. Santa asked if McKinley had been a good boy, he said, "Uh huh." Santa said, "If you get that bicycle, promise me you'll wear a helmet with it, okay?" McKinley said, "Okay". He was a little taken by the red-suited one this year. Not afraid, just feeling it!

Sadly, we had to opt out of the horse and wagon ride with Bud (we've really gotten to know Bud well over the last 2 years...). It was too rainy, but under my umbrella we gave Bud some love...who promptly nudged my umbrella. Hey, Bud, that's Coach...watch yourself! hahahaa! Guess Bud has good taste...

McKinley had a wonderful time at Clabber Girl. I'm so impressed with what they have to offer each year...good wholesome family fun and a beautiful atmosphere!

Happy Holidays!

Lynn