Another great family day

Today we decided our destination would be to try out the Maryland Zoo. The day started a bit slow when I realized Max could not skip his morning nap. So, we put him down and let him sleep nearly 2 hours. During this time, we sat around for the family premier of Annie, the movie fro 1981. I didn't remember the racy parts of the movie and thought it was something Ellie would enjoy seeing becuase of all the singing and dancing. She watched intently through about 90% of it. I did have to explain a few things - why Pepper was mean, why they were chasing Annie, etc. But all in all, it was a success of a showing I'd say. Daddy and Grampa also enjoyed it.

I woke Max at 11:30 and we were out the door. The kids ate a light lunch in the car and we just sort of let the day flow. I'm not always good at this, but I'd say everyone genionly enjoyed this opportunity. We only made it through half the zoo exhibits, but that was the right pace for the kids. I thought it was a nice zoo and would go again. One thing about when you pay for something, it's usually full of people are who there to enjoy what they are seeing, and not too often causing trouble.

We saw all the necessary animals. This giraffe came quite close to say hello to us, and lick the side of the building for some reason.

Many of them were still and sleeping at mid day, but we did get some great action out of the gorillas. They were being fed and the keepers were there talking about them. They had this huge outdoor play area. There must have been about 10 of them there. They would get excited and then run and pound their fists on the glass and scream. This is the glass where all us plebs are standing around starring at them. Man, did we all jump the first time it happened. Then, we got a bit used to it. No one was ever able to stand still without jumping. I think it was pretty scarey for Ellie. It's not natural to see these beast jump at you like this. Apparently, they know they will get a rise out of the spectators and therefore repeat it many times. It's really funny. Who's really viewing who in this case?
Daddy and Max were watching for them to come back and pound on the window again.

The kids got to play at the park in the zoo for a bit before we left and then we got on the road around 4. We decided to stop near Ellicot City for an early dinner and head home. Max was good as gold at dinner. I can't believe how well he's doing sitting still while we eat out. This isn't like him. Obviously, he requires some entertaining. See Max the Walrus below.

We had a great weekend with Grampa. It was really nice of him to come visit for the weekend. It worked well to have an excuse to just hang out and enjoy the kids this weekend. We should make this a more regular habit. I think we try to squeeze too much work in on the weekends. The kids are growing up so fast. I'm so thankful for these times with them.