The Nashville Zoo

The kiddos and I headed to the Nashville Zoo today for a birthday party! We had never been to the zoo, so it was pretty awesome to get to go for a party. After party time the kids and I explored the zoo for a few hours. Jayson didn't go because of his crazy work schedule for the next week . . . but that's probably not a bad thing. He had to mow the lawn this morning, but I am sure football was enjoyed . . . and kids birthday parties aren't really his scene - are they any dad's?! :)

The girls (and their friend Victoria) enjoying the private program for the party

Evan super excited to enjoy his first zoo trip!

Like I said, after party time, we took off on our own to enjoy the zoo. I will just say that for the entire party, the girls showed off their manners, and I was very proud . . . so as soon as we were done, it was their time. First up was a carousel ride - Marlie chose a cheetah, while Samantha, Evan, and I sat on the bench behind her - she really wanted a zebra (because she had zebras on her dress) but there was no zebra around the only bench . . . bless the 10yr old girl standing next to her that said "cheetahs are awesome - you should totally pick that one" - well, a 10yr old girl knows everything when you're 5, so up she jumped! Then Marlie grabbed the map and directed us on our way . . .
She actually did a great job. She found the bathrooms so everyone could go before we started exploring. I suggested we stop for slushies, so she found the food symbol - they enjoyed some iced goodness, I got a diet coke, and Evan had a bottle. Then we were off to explore only a small portion of the zoo - the Jungle Loop - after all, by this point we had been at this driving, party, and zoo business for over 4hrs! So Marlie directed us through the animals - ask me how many funny looks I got with a 3 yr old running over to say "Oh I love the tapirs - they're like big anteaters!" :) We took a break in the bamboo forest . . . to which Marlie asked "why do they have all this bamboo if there are no pandas around to eat it?"

So finally we got into the car to head home . . .whew - everyone was passed out within 5 minutes of being on the road! Let me tell you - I wanted to pass out to! We left home at 8:30am and it was 3:30pm . . . BUT 7 hours and no naps, me alone with 3 kiddos, and not one single tantrum or meltdown - child or adult!!!!! Oh yea - that's freaking awesome!

When we got home, Marlie said that she was going to draw some pictures of the animals she saw today . . . and then she announced "and then I think I will write thank you notes to Derek and Molly for letting us come to their party today" - to which Sam replied "I will make a card for Evan Michael and put it in his crib" ha! Seriously love these chics!!!

And to file in the random category of "growing up way too fast" - Evan now wants to hold his own bottle . . . Marlie has decided she is probably too cool for baths and needs to take showers . . . and Samantha's favorite pastime that she will do just about anything for in order to earn the privelege - playing nickjr computer games! Wow . . . I try so hard to tell myself I have to remember these days . . . like tonight, when the girls discovered that I now read to Evan before bedtime and wanted to come in and "read" to him . . . Sam kept grabbing his hand so he could feel the touch books and he would just crack up at her, and then all 3 of them would laugh - I know it won't always be like this, but wow, for as long as it is, bedtime can wait, I need as many of those memories as possible . . . it's what will keep them alive as teenagers, right?! :)