Happy Place

I know I've written about our little zoo many times before...but I just can't help it. A few miles from home. One loop around to see all the animals. Rarely more than a few families there on a weekday. A train. A carousel. A playground. Really, what more could we ask for?
I love how comfortable the crew is when we are here. It is as if it is our own backyard. They know all the animals from Coatis to Tapirs. They have seen them awake, asleep and eating. But, they never tire of visiting them, they always want to come back, and always want to stay just a little longer.
I love it here too. I've always loved animals and it is fun to share that interest with my monkeys. And a little fresh air never hurt.

Ahh, it is our happy place.

Balance

The kids try to balance on anything they can find - arms out straight, faces locked in concentration, and willing to try over and over until they can make it.

Im trying to balance too. If only it were as easy as straightening my arms and placing one foot in front of the other. It seems there is never enough time, never enough energy, never enough. The same can probably be said by all of us. I tend to wobble the most when I try to balance my own needs into my busy family. Ah, the woes of a mother. I remind myself that there is a time for everything. This isn't the time for me. Right now my life is about four awesome kids and guiding them, one step at a time.

Snapshot

This picture cracks me up for so many reasons. It is a little snapshot into so many of the ho-hum moments of the day.

Drew is often just to the side. A little late in joining in on the action and wisely steering clear of trouble. He also loves to examine his boo-boos and access his injuries.

Did someone say trouble? Look at those two. I honestly have no idea what was going on, and most likely Ella and Tyler have no clue what they are doing either. But as usual it includes laughing and would probably end in tears if I didn't break them up.

Bottom line is even when we are doing something boring - like waiting for Dad on a park bench - we make it fun (or trouble)!!