Lions and Tigers and Garcias, Oh My!

We had a rare Saturday last month where we had absolutely nothing planned. It was really nice for Ramon and I to wake up and wonder about all the possibilities for our family with no practices to go to, no parties to attend, no trips out of town planned. It also happened to be the first weekend that the temperature was NOT 100 kajillion degrees outside. What to do? What to do? Ah Ha! A couple of months earlier- back in June- one of the parents from Sophia's softball team had given us free tickets for our entire family to the Dallas Zoo- including tickets to ride the monorail- SWEET! We packed the backpack, dressed the kids in comfy clothes, threw the stroller into the Yukon and away we went!

I was really excited to see the new Savannah exhibit that the zoo opened up earlier this year. Let's face it, the Dallas Zoo needed a face lift- it's really no secret. I was not disappointed! So happy to see that the elephants, giraffes and lions had some land to move around in. Before- they lived in these little matchbox sized pens- so depressing!

One of the highlight was feeding the giraffes- they just walked right up to us! So graceful! After we saw the lions, we rode the monorail around the new exhibit. We kept on making jokes about it getting stuck and then about three weeks later, we heard on the evening news that it did actually stop midway- full of people- who had to wait HOURS to be rescued.

On our way out- we stopped by the children's area where the kids were allowed to dip their toes into the water. Well, at least, that was my idea at the beginning. By the time we were done, both Diego and Carlos were soaking wet! Note to self- the next time we go to the zoo in warm weather- we are bringing swimsuits.

All in all, it was a great day trip- the kids had a blast and Ramon and I have great memories stored up. Thanks to our friend for the tickets!

THE BEST PAWTY EVUH!!!

... well, that's the way my four year old said it, anyway! Our little man Diego turned 4 in September (yes, I'm just a little bit behind here!) and boy, by the time kids turn 4, they totally understand what a birthday is all about. I mean, at 1, the party is more for the parents than for the birthday boy/girl. At 2, it's a good reason to get all of your playgroup together to celebrate but for the most part, again, the kid is completely oblivious. At 3, they start to put some things together that lets them know that something exciting is going on, but what that something is, they still don't quite know. But by the time the fourth birthday comes around, they GET IT. Big Time!!! We had a countdown with his calendar in his room- counting down each day until his party. He really wanted to have it at our house, complete with a pinata and water balloons, but I knew that a party at ASI would be a blast. And boy, was it ever!!! It was a Cars II themed party because like most little boys, Diego is obsessed with all things Lightening McQueen. Normally, I don't mind getting the house all decorated for a party but this time, I wanted to just sit back and enjoy the guests running around. I did the cake, though, and have to say for myself that I am really please at the way it turned out. After 40 minutes of playing in the gym, the yummy fruit kabobs and chex mix were a hit. Then, he got his requested chocolate cake. The best part of the day, to me, is when Diego just randomly screamed out, "This is the BEST PAWTY EVUH!".

My sweet Diego- words cannot express how proud I am to be your mommy. From the second you wake up and walk into the kitchen with your bedhead hair to the moment when you close your eyes after I sing to you goodnight- you are a special light in my life. I hope to celebrate many, MANY birthdays with you.