Had my camera battery not died, and had my camera battery recharger not replaced itself (’cause it certainly wasn’t me, LOL) I would have some cute pictures for the day. I can say that confidently, because my eldest daughter and myself took four of just the most pleasant children to our zoo. Our zoo was running a Summer $2 entry special today…and they happen to have the best, if not overpriced, fried potato wedges in all of the city. My daughter and I made a date to take advantage of the two buck deal to snag us some potato wedges, and then pretty much hot trot it back home. Who wants to hang in the extreme heat and humidity along with a good quarter of the city, also there because of the low price…but with sweaty, crying, overtired children….and they were there, trust me.
Last evening an S.O.S styled email was sent to a group which includes myself. A mother of four children is recuperating from surgery this week and because of her pain meds, is unable to drive. All doctor appointments, 4-H, Scout, etc. either had to be rescheduled or required an alternative driver. We know this family – DH is friends with the husband, I’m getting to know the wife, and the kids are all so unique and interesting and polite. DH and I have taken the girls out for gallery showings before and enjoyed our time. As I responded that DD would be able to drive one of the kids to their physical therapy appointment, I threw in that we were heading off to the zoo if anyone would like to join us. The whole kid-crew did…and they were such troopers…especially the oldest boy who just turned 14. Sweetest older brother you’ve ever seen. The kids were awesome dealing with the heat, not a whine or a complaint among them…very appreciative that we took them someplace fun, and were really buddy buddy with one another. The youngest, I’m guessing six?, was just adorable and held my hand instinctively while we toured the zoo. I’m guessing he’s usually Mommy’s Buddy during their family outings.
All in all, the summer is not a fantastic time to see zoo animals. Everyone’s seeking shade and sleeping. We did see a komono dragon and an ant eater bathing…not together, mind you. And the penguin exhibit was loved by all the kids, but I think that was at the peak of the sun’s heat, so while the little birds were swimming and diving, the kids themselves started slowing their pace. I think the biggest thrill of the day was when we all crawled back into the car with the A/C unit running, LOL.
