The Joys of Parenthood

Ah, parenthood.

Peanut butter kisses, warm hugs, snuggling on the couch with your 6 year old son, who's not yet too old to cuddle his mommy. And then he starts talking...

Gabe: "I love you mommy....SO MUCH!"
Me: "I love you, too!"
Gabe: "But I love Taryn more because when I'm a man and she's a woman we're going to get married. We're going to live in a palace and have five kids and five dogs and four cats and a bunny!
Me: "Aren't you a little young to be getting married?"
Gabe: "Not now! When we're grown up! You'll be old by then, almost dead. Yup, you'll be dead by then."

Ah....parenthood.

Nuff said???

Going with your strengths...

I have always referred to myself as "multi-talented". For one thing - it sounds MUCH more positive than "lazy-assed slug". I DO have talents - even if they don't include team sports or keeping house like Martha Stewart. My talents are harder to explain - at least to my mother!

I read, I write, I communicate, I speak. (Note that washing the windows didn't make that list) I actually love public speaking - I really enjoy that form of communication. To me, it's sharing my writing - verbally! I discovered public speaking in 6th grade (and won best in school for my version of "America's Promise"). My dad was a Methodist minister, so I also had the opportunity to be the guest lecturer at different Methodist churches before I was out of college. Later on I traveled around the country, talking about the different research projects I worked on as a PhD student. Once I was in private practice (audiology) I would travel to different groups and talk about hearing loss. I also became a certified toastmaster - just for the fun of it!

People had told me for years that I should follow in my father's footsteps and become a minister - but I had a few problems with that. For one - mainstream religion doesn't fit me well - I believe everyone must find their own path. I eventually became a Unitarian Universalist - and found a few more public speaking opportunities there! But - even in a UU church - I have no desire to be a minister. I've lived that life - and have no desire to repeat it. But parts of it appeal to me.

Last month by dear friend Theresa decided to re-marry. They were having a hard time finding a pastor that would design a ceremony to reflect their beliefs and journey. Theresa said she really wanted ME to design and perform the ceremony - so I did. I became a certified wedding officiant and quickly put together a simple wedding ceremony that included Theresa's children and the different backgrounds and beliefs of Theresa and her husband to be.

It was amazing. The ceremony took place in the courtyard of a small restaurant - with about 20 friends and family members. The ceremony was unique, touching, and memorable. One of my favorite parts was the exchanging of rings...

The wedding ring is a circle symbolizing the sun, and the earth, and the
universe. It is a symbol of wholeness, perfection and peace.

As you enter into the circle of your shared love,may you be blessed through
your devotion to this union. May your journey as husband and wife be filled
with peace, love and joy.

Then the ring vows were exchanged...

This ring is my gift to you.

May it always remind you
that from this day forward, you will be surrounded by my love.

It felt right, performing the wedding. I felt so blessed to be able to contribute my puny talents to their celebration. Let's face it - other friends took care of flowers, make-up, restaurant reservations and so on. Instead of being the usual "bump on a log" I was able to make the day incredibly special for them.

I read, I write, I speak, I communicate.

Not bad talents, really. I plan on using them MUCH more frequently.

Namaste.

The Joy of Old Houses

I've always loved old houses. The style, the history, the personality - the new housed just can't compete. When we bought our 1900 house I was ecstatic - sure, it needed work, but nothing we couldn't handle.

Go forward 4.5 years. The house still looks like early ghetto. We DO have hot water and a kitchen, thankfully. The husband is making a strong attempt to finish the walls in the main rooms so I can paint them - and I've actually chosen paint! I had to empty and move all the bookcases so he could GET to the walls, though. He was in spackling last week, then called me. He directed my attention down to an abandoned, coverless outlet that had been behind the bookcases. The back half of a mouse was hanging out of the wall, tail dangling.

Can you say, "YUCK! YUCK! GROSS!!!"? Cause I did. Or possibly I said more than that - I don't really remember. I had been smelling something "unusual" for the past month, a girlfriend had been telling me the animals probably dragged a potato somewhere, and it was decomposing. Well - it was decomp - but no potato.

Now...how long until I can walk into the dining room without wrinkling my nose???

And....it's almost time to cut the field behind us - which means we will once more be inundated with the lovely mice. We DO have three cats - time for earn their kibble!

Ah...lovely Victorian houses. Is there anything better?

Don't ask.

Aaaaarrrrrrggggghhhhh!!!!!

It's September - how did that happen???? Next week starts chorale, dance & co-op, soon to be follow by karate, speech, book clubs & the YMCA. Oh yeah - and our formal education resumes on Monday! Also in September we have two trips to the Science center, a Sultana trip, and possibly a zoo visit.

And somewhere in there - I need to work!

Did I mention.....AAARRRRRGHHHH???

Please send positive energy, followed by LOTS of coffee, followed by alcohol.

Yeah, that might help!

ruck rucka rucka

Homeschooling 101

Went to Jungle Jims today, a water park in Rehobeth Beach, DE. (yeah, it was overcast and raining, in case you were wondering). The kids had a ball!

I was talking with a lovely woman there, sharing kid tales. She asked what school my children attended, and I told her we homeschool. Her mouth dropped open and she asked, in complete awe, "How do you manage?"

I looked that delightful woman straight in the eye and replied......

"I drink."

yeah....it's been THAT kind of week. Oh well - at least I made a new friend! (when she stopped laughing, anyway!)

FYI

Just in case you ever REALLY need some scotch tape to hang a note on the door for DHL, but your lovely children have absconded with every roll of tape you own....

Just stick that printed, professional note to the clean glass door with blue modeling clay. Then wash your hands - a few times. The blue stains.

Off to wash the door...and buy more scotch tape.

Camping for Couch Potatoes!

For those of you who would rather read a good book than leave the house - take note! We, the famous (infamous?) Bubble Family, survived AND enjoyed our first camping trip!

The tent, newly purchased for the event, was a tad disappointing. Really rotten assembling instructions, and when we finally figured it out we realized it was MUCH smaller than we expected. Two of my kids ended up happily sleeping in the attached (but floorless) screen room, so all was well.

I was so proud of myself when I called my husband that evening. "We got the tent set up - by ourselves, I built a fire AND I just cooked hot dogs and salmon over the fire. Let's face it - I ROCK!!!"

We went swimming the next day and had a fantastic time - until my 5 year old disappeared. Again. He has this thing.....if he doesn't see me he picks a direction and BOLTS as fast as he can. Luckily this time he was wearing a lime green floatie. I ran to the life guard - who already had him corraled - all the way at the other end of the beach. Did I mention he runs - fast???

Rucka rucka rucka...

The Secret...Revealed!

I have discovered the secret to awesome family adventures!!! In the last three days we have 1) Gone on our FIRST family camping trip and 2)Spent the day at Six-Flags America - all with my friend T and her two children.

The secret? Simply this... lower your standards. Drastically.

My goal was survival. I expected to be miserable - but hey, it was for the kids. The only thing I wanted to do was avoid catastrophes. I met my goal!

I'll detail the camping trip in the next post, right now I'll focus on the Six-Flag Adventure:

We were going to Six Flags for one reason, and one reason only....our children read the required eight hours (each) to earn a FREE ticket - and they refused to be denied their prize!

I started out excited about the upcoming adventure - and then I started researching the place. Reviews were horrible: the place was crowded and dirty, the lines were long and service was slow - and that was the good news! As we looked into "additional" charges we realized our "Free" day was going to cost a mint. $15 parking, $7.00 pretzels, $14.00 hamburgers, $9.00 raft fee. I started to fret and fume, and try to figure out less expensive options. I eventually gave up.

We postponed the trip several times, eventually settling on last Sunday. You know - the day of the monsoons? Luckily, we bailed before getting into the car, and rescheduled for yesterday. It meant T couldn't bring her boyfriend, but at least it was a Wednesday, and hopefully less crowded.

We were already tired from camping, and slow to get on the road. We didn't get to Six Flags until almost noon, and decided to stop and fuel up on the cheap at McDonald's before entering the EXPENSIVE ZONE. Paid the $15 for parking (rucka rucka rip-off!) and started schlepping to the gates. Finally got inside and realized we had to pay $17 for a locker rental (guess we didn't need to collect those quarters, after all!!!!)

And then - we were ready to play! Despite many buses filled with children, there was no wait for the non-thrill rides. Each ride, however, still took forever. The people seemed to move in slow motion, there was a deliberate pause before each movement and safety check, then they always stopped for the two extra people that were "almost" there, then did the safety checks again. I think it was a company policy, actually. They lose money the more times they run the ride, and so try to fill each ride to capacity before they start - and they are in NO hurry to start. Ah well.

It was a memorable event on the wooden roller coaster - the children and my husband's FIRST time on a large coaster - and my LAST. Stick a fork in me, I'm done!

When we were done with the ride part, we shared water and snacks we had stashed in the locker, then changed into swimsuits. Our first water ride was everyone's favorite - riding an inner tube down 1 of 4 slides into a 3foot deep pool. What fun! We spent quite a bit of time on that one before moving on.

The rest of the water park was less impressive - although the kids had a ball! I was especially impressed by the diligence of the lifeguards - they were amazing! (ok, I was initially irritated by their penchant for incessant whistle blowing - but I moved on!) Turns out the life guards are constantly tested and monitored. I saw one guy being berated because it took him over 30 seconds to see (and retrieve) the object the tester had thrown into the pool. Another dove into the water, blowing her whistle frantically, to "rescue" a staged drowning victim. No wonder these folks look like their wired on speed! I have NEVER seem a place take life guarding so seriously - way to go, Six Flags!!!

By now the kids were dragging and hungry. We bribed them into waiting until we left the park to get dinner by promising them dessert, as well (no, we have no shame, we're PARENTS!). We ended up at a nearby Ruby Tuesday's. The five children sat at one booth and the three adults were able to eat and speak in relative peace and another table! AND...the waitress kept telling us what wonderful, polite children we had!!!! (guess exhaustion works - right up til the moment they dissolve into a quivering mass, anyway)

We then took ours to the bookstore for a treat. They each got a book, and read in the car until they fell asleep. We were home and in bed by 10.

It was a good day! Wasn't perfect, but we were expecting to have such a hideous time that it seemed wonderful by comparison!!!

So there you go folks....when all else fails - lower your standards!

Pop back soon for the camping adventures of the bubble family - complete with real horror stories!!!

Enjoy!v

Small breasted women of the world - take heart!

I was always tall and thin. Used to hear the jokes, growing up....."Turn her sideways and she disappears" and "What sticks out further, her nose or her chest???"

Yup. Funny stuff. Really. The comedic talent of those around me never ceased to amaze.

And....I rather liked my chest! They were small (b-cup) but perky! Let's face it - they had personality!

And then I birthed, and nursed, three children. The youngest nursed til he was three. His favorite trick was to latch on, plant his feet on my belly and catapult himself over my shoulder. Without letting go.

I knew things had "changed" chestwise. Perky was certainly a thing of the past. But "womanly" was ok, too. I searched for bras that hiked my now non-perky friends up to a more acceptable position. I even sought out the help of an older woman at the Penney's store for fitting advice. I eventually threw out my 34B's and accepted my post-baby 40C's.

But I hated buying - and wearing the bras that fit now. They were old lady hassocks, ugly and frumpy. When I tried a prettier bra - nothing fit. Body parts stuck out at weird angles, or lounged down on my belly as if in defeat. Not to mention, trying on bras while juggling THREE small children is a sanity tester by itself!

Last Sunday I went shopping with a girl friend - sans the six children who usually accompany us. I once more struggled to find a less hideous bra. I drug my friend into the act who immediately announced I was wearing the wrong size. [Apparently Oprah did a show recently - Bless that woman!]

Yesterday I left the children with Grandma long enough to be fit at Nordstroms. Here's to Sasha, the certified fitter (it says so right on her business card) who settled me into a large dressing room, did her magic with the measuring tape, and then spent the next hour bringing me bras for my approval. I entered in a frumpy, old-lady bra measuring 38C and left in a blue lacy number in the size.....ready? 34DDD! Triple D! Me - the chestless one! [now, some stores refer to that as 34E - but that makes me think of E for Elephants - so I MUCH prefer the DDD!]

I am woman, watch me strut!

I called my husband with the news..."The good news, honey, is that your wife is STACKED!....The bad news...it's almost impossible to find a bra in 34DDD for less than $50!" He seemed to consider it a fair trade. Bless his little male heart.

The funny part.....I still don't look like I have large breasts. In fact, the new bras are "minimizing" -so I actually looked bigger before. But my button down shirts fit better!

I'm thinking these bras were designed by women and I need to find one (just ONE!) that was designed by a man! "Well....HELLO! How lovely to meet all THREE of you!"

In the meantime - I'm walking tall! (and ma, check out my posture!)

A Sense of History

I hear children screaming. It must be Monday.

We're taking a break from formal learning right now - so apparently the children just scream because it's Monday - not because they don't want their new Latin vobabulary words. Good to know.

Actually, I have only two children screaming. The eldest is spending a few days with Grandma. She's riding her bike to the beach, going swimming, and making friends with the children of MY old playmates! I like the sense of continuity.

It's funny - I've always been one for moving on - new places, new challenges. The Beach house has been my only constant in life. And, as it turns out, that's important to me. Who knew?

Here's to enjoying life's simple pleasures, my friends!

The Universe - 9,371: Me - 0

Sometimes my life feels like an "I Love Lucy" show. You know, where whatever CAN go wrong - WILL!

Case in point: I have been endeavoring to improve my image. When we moved to the country I was thrilled that I could roll out of bed and trundle off to the local stores in whatever was handy & comfortable and STILL be considered presentable.

And then you clean the mirror and realize that YOU have become the frumpy hag you never wanted to be! Hence, the makeover.

I've become zealous about using my fantastic Tarrah skin-care line (I'm also a distributor - but haven't done anything with it - yet!) so that my face is smooth, soft, and glowing. I've also used the Tarrah foot care system - but need to do it again! I'm dressing well upon waking, AND doing hair and makeup. That's it - I want to be the womyn who can handle anything - and STILL keep her lipstick on straight. If only I could stop eating it off. {{sigh}}

All this sounds good - right? Enter the laughing Universe.

Ever since my new approach - "things" are happening. I'm looking polished and professional as I herd my children into a local store. I happen to glance down and realize that my 5 year old - the one who reads fluently AND is learning Latin - has apparently FORGOTTEN how to use a toilet - and simply doesn't care!! He actually had several "potty issues" that week - all of them involving me dealing with them in heels and lipstick.

And then there was the bank incident. I can't even blame this one on the kids - I was alone. The bank moved their ATM - it's now in the wall of the drive-thru. The first time I used it I hadn't gotten close enough to the wall, and could barely reach the thing. Now I was determined to correct that mistake -and pulled in quite closely. I was making a deposit, and the machine asks if you want an envelope (they no longer have them just sitting there - the machine will give you ONE).

Unfortunately, I fumbled the envelope, and it fell outside the car. And I can't get the door of the car open far enough to get out. So....I'm leaning, stretching (most likely also cursing) and finally repositioning myself so that my leg (I'm 5'11") can pull the envelope close enough that I can stretch down and pick it up. Meanwhile the ATM is beeping at me - but not offering any more envelopes OR giving me back my bankcard. All of this - on film. I'm so proud. Oh well, at least my lipstick was on straight!

The Universe has a whacky sense of humor - and doesn't want us to take ourselves too seriously, apparently.

Luckily, laughing at myself has always been easy. Too easy. {{sigh}}

Enjoy!

Savings vs Sanity

Some people brake for sales.

Me - I drag three cranky children hours out of my way, battle 100 degree temperatures, then put myself within touching distance of variously sized smelly people wearing way too much spandex (and shouting obscenities) just to claim my bags of "clearance" merchandise. Between the gas, food, bribes & recovery alcohol involved - it would have paid me to have Nordstroms deliver to my door.

Wait! I forgot to mention the 9,000 potty stops! And the sticky floors!

And then there's the.....returns.

I've returned five items in the last 2 days - and now have to return the sandals I bought my husband yesterday. The nearest Kohl's is an hour away. What's wrong with me???

Obviously, I'm sanity challenged.

This morning I've been checking out www.drugstore.com and www.amazon.com (groceries). Both offer free shipping with orders over $25.00. I'm still going to have to hit Sam's Club or Costco once a month for pet food, coffee, peanut butter (three kids) and paper products. Not sure I see a way around that one!

I'm open to suggestions - does anyone have a favorite site for ordering the necessities of life????

Talk to me!

The Bubble Family hits the Water!

I don't know about anyone else - but many of our family outings and adventures are much better on paper than in real life. Usually the stress and cost of our outings far out way the enjoyment that's wedged between dealing with cranky children.

Yesterday may have been an exception.

We went to the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center in Grasonville, Maryland - on the Eastern Shore. We had attended their annual "Wade-In Festival" earlier in the month, and ended up getting a year's family membership. The family membership entitled us to unlimited access to their hiking and bike trails - AND free canoe/kayak rentals.

Yesterday we hit the water.

Please understand - we're not the most outdoorsy of families. All of us, including the five year old, prefer to curl up with a good book. So outfitting our pasty white bodies with life vests, sunscreen and bug spray is a major deal.

The grown-ups had experienced canoes before - if 30 year old experiences count. The children were unsure about putting their bodies over water - and trusting their pasty parents. Certainly the first step into the canoes from the floating pier had all of us wobbling uncertainly. It didn't help that we had to split up - the nine year old and I in one canoe, and Dad in another with the two younger ones.

We eventually figured out the paddling techniques needed to propel us away from the pier. There's a relatively large, calm area to explore - and if one is brave enough one can go ashore on one of the reed covered shores and explore. We weren't brave enough. We did see ducks, swans and an eagles nest.

One of the best points - from this family's perspective - the water rarely gets over 2-3 feet deep - so even if we tipped we could simply stand up and step back into the canoe. I'm happy to say that didn't happen.

The current, however, was a challenge. I especially had difficulty getting the canoe to go in the direction I chose - can you say "chicken arms"? After three attempts to return to the pier, only to end up sideways, floating towards Kent Island, my lovely husband came to our rescue, and towed our wimpy butts back to shore. My hero!

All in all - a fun day. I think mostly because it was close to home, and not expensive - and we didn't have outlandish expectations. I should probably note that the children have declared they are NEVER doing it again. But they always react to new experiences like that.

And, as a whole, the family has decided we need something with a motor!

The husband and I would like to try the kayaks - without children. I'm hoping for something a little easier to maneuver!

All in all - a good day - with children! (and really, can you ask for anything more?)

Enjoy!

Snakes and snails and puppy dog tails...

I don't want to shock anyone - but I just can't keep it to myself any longer. Ready? Here goes:

Boys are ....... different. Their brains are apparently just wired differently from the gentler sex. Namely....ME!

Exhibit A: We spent last week with my mother, who was recovering from knee surgery. Now my mother is fastidious at best. Obsessive also comes to mind. She has - and has always had - a very, very clean house. (note how she never managed to pass that knowledge along to me, however. Ah well.)

Anyway....after an exhausting day (everyone, including children, left the house at 6am, my mom had knee surgery, we got prescriptions filled, went back to her house and took care of meals, dogs, laundry, etc.) I had finally collapsed into a chair to stare mindlessly at the television set. (I think it was on - but I'm not really sure). The eldest comes in and whispers in my ear, "Gabe did something really, really bad......he drew on grandma's closet doors."

AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!

I ran from the room and yup - there it was. He had labeled the two closets in the spare bedroom. "MEN AND BOYS" and "WOMEN AND GIRLS". All spelled correctly with impeccable printing, I might add.

I think the back of my head came off. Now, it's not like he's permitted to write on walls or furniture at home. I do know people that allow it and don't like to stifle a young one's creativity. Me - I stifle.

He was able to clean off the damage - using elbow grease and a Magic Eraser. (wow, do I LOVE those things!!!) He was later explaining to his grandma that he just wanted to label the closets so that the boys got the good closet with the light. I asked why he hadn't written on a piece of paper and taped it to the door. His eyes got large, his mouth dropped open, and he admitted that would have worked, as well.

I'm with Bill Cosby - they're just brain damaged. Testosterone poisoning, possibly?

Now, Exhibit B: Yesterday I walk into the kitchen, Gabe has just let our small dog into the house, but hasn't unhooked the leash. I bend down to do so and realize that the white dog is now BLACK, soaking wet, dripping, and trembling. Not being stupid, I turned to Gabe, "WHAT DID YOU DO?????"

His answer...."Tee hee hee hee. I got her with the hose!"

Me...."WHY????"

Brain damaged male child: "I HAD too, the cat ran away and hid and I HAD to squirt something!!!!"

Nuff said?

The real question....is this just a phase and life will get better? OR....is this the beginning of the downward spiral into stupid male tricks?????

I'm beginning to understand the blessings of boarding school! Don't boys start them around 6 six years old? Hmmmm......

Yeesh.

Juggling lessons

I am striving to become a better juggler. It seems I have the ability to focus on ONE thing at a time - and all else falls to ruin. I've been working to achieve a more sane balance between parenting, homeschooling, cooking & housekeeping. Work is slow right now, and other obligations are on summer hiatus.

And so....I make lists of reasonable things to accomplish each day...and I do a little at a time. Actually, I make more reasonable lists for the children - I still try to do too much. But I'm learning. I think. The goal being to achieve sanity AND progress.

We went blueberry picking yesterday. Then made blueberry crisp, blueberry & spinach salad & blueberry muffins (which would have been better had I not forgotten the baking powder - oops!)

Now to go re-clean the kitchen, switch the laundry and write out the weekly homeschool assignments.

I guess life is juggling act - and sometimes - you just have to make omelets!

Maryland's Hero: Cal Ripken, Jr.

They say everyone needs a hero. Around these parts (Maryland) that hero is Cal Ripken Jr. The Iron Man himself, thanks to his dedication to persistence, consistency and excellence. Apparently he's never developed the "big head" ego so popular with other stars. I know that well into his famed career he thought to include a favorite teacher in the festivities. I know that he and his wife are devoted to children's literacy issues. I know he's written a book that walks children through his approach to baseball and life.

And now I know something else.

I know that he has funded groups of inner city baseball leagues to enjoy and learn from a five-day stay at the North Bay Adventure Camp, in Northeast, MD. My husband was on hand last night when a group of kids from Kansas City, Missouri arrived. The kids were ecstatic at the facilities, pool, indoor basketball, indoor AND outdoor climbing walls, zip cords into the Chesapeake Bay, and a new baseball uniform and equipment for each child, courtesy of Cal Ripken, Jr. The kids are also scheduled to attend his baseball training camp, and maybe take in an Orioles game!

It's the week of a lifetime for these kids - all thanks to Cal Ripken, Jr.

Thanks, Cal - for showing us the true meaning of the word, HERO!

et tu, Brutus?

We've added Latin to the homeschooling curriculum, it's very exciting. I took a couple of years of Latin in one of my high schools (Fort Hill in Cumberland, MD) and found it quite useful for 1) learning other languages and 2) understanding medical terms in my anatomy & physiology classes. Not to mention, it allows your inner geek to soar!

Lesson #1 was rather limited in vocabulary. Conjugate the verb amo, I love. [amo, amas, amat, amamus, amatis, amant (I love, you love, he loves, we love, you all love, they love)] Had three other vocabulary words: et (and), video (I see) and caput (head).

The five year old, who's also learning English grammar, and knows sentences need both a verb and a noun, immediately puts together his first Latin sentence (NOT in the curriculum and NOT taught by ME). His sentence....Amo caput.

My husband has it written on his whiteboard at work, is telling every male he can find, and wants to make t-shirts.

Luckily, this week we're adding many more verbs AND nouns to his vocabulary.

Yeesh.

It's Monday - Please Send Chocolate!

Let's see....my blood pressure is rising, my eyes are burning, I've developed a twitch, and I keep wanting to put my head through the wall. Hmmm...it must be...MONDAY!!!

Monday - when we all try to accomplish some formal learning. Something OTHER than reading books. Monday - when we try to dig out the house from the weekend crazies. Monday - when we realize we are a vile, dirty, disgusting people. Monday - when peanut butter magically appears on the kitchen cabinets, trash multiplies under tables, animals mysteriously knock over everything, and children forget how to a)clean up their messes and b)LISTEN to their MOTHER!

Monday, when the responsibilities of work, homeschooling, housekeeping, mothering, and being a reasonable human being all mesh into some snarling lump of humanity.

Monday, when you realize all those things you DIDN'T get done last week are now perched to bite you on the butt.

Monday, when the socks are all unmatched and the underwear is all dirty.

Monday, when the kids have three settings: hungry, whiny, or screaming.

Monday, the day the chocolate died.

Lions and Tigers and Bears .... oh my!

Ah...there's nothing like family adventure....to make you long for a good book. We took the clan to the National Zoological Park yesterday - otherwise known as the DC Zoo. I was very excited, since this was our first time (in recent memory) of visiting the zoo without heavy strollers or whiny toddlers. And, since the weather has been quite balmy, we were optimistic that the traditional heat wave that always seems to accompany us would be absent.

Um....no. Not so much.

We had no stroller - so we had to carry our bags and water bottles - and pull, threaten and cajole our cranky children. Also...it was...HOT! Very hot. And uphill. I'm not sure how they do it - but the zoo is about 90% UPHILL!

We were all less than impressed with our views of lions and tigers. "See that brown lump waaaay up there, behind the shrub? That's a lion!!!!!" Whoopee. We did, however, have AWESOME views of all three panda's. Dad was busy taking pictures of the animals, I was busy taking pictures of my children, and the 5 year old kept walking away from real animals to read the animal facts on the exhibits. He would have been happier staying home and reading a book about animals. Go figure. (ok, to be fair - that would have worked for me, too!)

At any rate - we're home now, recuperating. Is it just our family that adventures usually fall short - or is this a normal phenomena?

Zzzzzzzzzzzz...

It's official. I'm old. Old folks go to bed early, prefer their own cooking to most restaurants, prefer to watch movies in the privacy of their home and wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Sign me up.

We took the children to their first drive-in movie last night. A great double feature, Shrek III and Pirates of the Caribbean III. We had to park ALL the way in the back, and couldn't see very well. Because we were in the next to last row, we were surrounded by people that.....I'm not normally (and never intentionally) surrounded by.

I must say, the children had a GREAT time. They sat outside, on fold up chairs, and made LOTS of friends. They were all asleep before the last movie ended, at 1:40am. John and I didn't get to bed until 2:30am.

I'm wiped. The kids were up by 7, I slept until 9. John and I both took afternoon naps - and I can't wait til bedtime. Pathetic. Oh yeah - and the only thing I managed to do today was obsess about how tired I was! Sad, very sad.

What can I say, I'm old. Pass the Geritol, please!