Super Slides and Giraffes

Colin,

This past weekend Mommy went away with some friends to Artscape and just hanging out with the girls. In doing so, she left Ava and Daddy all by ourselves to wreak havoc and take over the world...or at least our little part of it. So, Ava and I decided that we were going to make the most of it and party like rock stars, and boy oh boy we did!

On Saturday, Ms. Lisbet called and left a message about a party with lots of kids and a big water slide. After a little thought about what to do, Daddy asked Ava if she wanted to go, and when I just happened to mention something about a water slide, your big sister very calmly screamed YES!!! at the top of her lungs. Not to bore you with all of the details, so let it be known that she had an amazing time with all of the kids. She was so wound up that on the way home, she was still all excited about the day. Get this, your big sis stayed up until 9:30 (a full hour past when she normally crashes)...and Daddy thought she would be asleep in the car on the ride home. Oh well, we had a great time.

Sunday was a new day and Ava and Daddy decided that we were going to see some giraffes. Giraffes?!? in Greenbelt? I know, even babies know giraffes live in Africa, but these giraffes are at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore (otherwise known as the Baltimore Zoo). The intention was to feed the giraffes and enjoy seeing all of the other animals on a nice summer day. Well, ummm, we saw a giraffe, and it ate, but no trainers were around that would lead the giraffe to the feeding station (which is $2/person to feed one). The chimpanzee house was a bit of a bust too, Daddy had no cash for the camel ride ($5/person), and the day grew very hot, quickly! So, here we are, hot and sweaty at 11:30 a.m. and Ava is not a happy camper. After a small ice cream sandwich and finding the small amusement area "conveniently" located next to the food court, the day was salvaged. Your big sister got on a flying banana ride, the carousel, and the choo choo. After all of that she was all smiles and a bit hungry. We stopped to eat and rest for a few then headed to the petting zoo area where Ava made sure to give EVERY last goat some love and a good brushing. We must have been there for an hour. One zoo keeper even offered Ava a job! So, even on a hot, sticky, and tiring day, we managed to have a great time, and one of the best parts was when Ava looked at me and said "Daddy, baby brother would love to brush the little goats, right?" I smiled, looked back, and replied "Yes, he really would have liked that."

I love you
Daddy