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.

A wonderful fall day

Today was a wonderful fall family day. Grampa is here visiting for the weekend. We started the morning with Ellie's dance class. She's really coming into it and doing well. I think she's truly enjoying it and trying to learn things. Grampa got to watch, and parents don't get this pleasure right now. So it was nice to get some insight from him about how she's doing. Apparently she is very patient and very good at waiting her turn. She doesn't try to get in front of others and was even patient when they tried to get in front of her. There's a balance we need to teach, but I'm not sure what that shuold look like. In any case, it was a good class experience.

We then went home, collected Daddy and Max, and went for a walk in the neighborhood. It was such a a beautiful day. We had a nice walk and stopped at two playgrounds. It was a great fall morning.

After lunch and naps, we got everyone ready and went into Frederick. We spent about an hour playing at Baker Park. FOr the first time both kids were old enough to really enjoy it. The adult to child ratio was really great too. Max was climbing and swinging and rocking! Ellie did the big slide a few times with the big kids. We even ran into Ms. Sarah and Erin there. Ellie enjoys seeing Erin any time. Max was a bit funny seeing Ms. Sarah away from her house. He was condused, but eventually went and gave her a hug.

We had a nice dinner downtown at a favorite place. Both kids were really good. We even enjoyed some chocolates after dinner from the Truffle shop. The kids ate up the chocolate like little birdies and I enjoyed dishing it out. We came home and everyone remained in good moods through to bed. This is what topped it off as a perfect night for me. I love when everyone goes to bed happy. Ellie even had lots of things to say when we talked about the best part of her day.

Moon

Yesterday I briefly pointed out the moon to Max on the way home from our evening adventures. He seemed only mildly interested. Tonight we were outside again and I pointed it out. He seemed fascinated. He pointed, "Moooooooone." I would say, "Yes Max, moon." This must have repeated for about 5 minutes straight before I finally sent him to find David. Max trucked it down the driveway to find Daddy and bring him up to show him the new thing in the sky, pointing... he proclaims loudly, "Mooooooone!" Eventually he started walking towards the moon, calling for it, as if he could finally get his hands on it... only to eventually fall down. He would just get up and repeate. It's cute to watch him learn something. He really likes to drive it home!

Mommy and Ellie Day

This morning instead of going to church, as a special treat, Ellie and I went to see the new movie Dolphin Tale. We ended up seeing it in 3D as well, so that was a whole new experience for Ellie.

We both loved the movie. Ellie has continued to ask me questions about it all day. She was fascinated with both the kids and the Dolphin. I think we will talk about it for weeks to come.

As the movie started, I encouraged her to put on her 3D glasses. The opening credits follow fish and dolphins as the swim quickly through the underground of the ocean. It was really cool. Ellie put her glasses on and then almost immediately started trying to reach out and catch the fish. It was too cute. She had her arms out in front of her reaching and feeling, as if she really could get them.

The glasses only made it for about 10-15 minutes, then she watched the rest of the movie without them, seeing a bit of a double vision, but she didn't complain. She patiently sat still for 2 hours and watched the movie. We did enjoy a small popcorn between us, which is another little special treat for us.

After the movie, we went home for lunch and a nap. She laid quietly for nearly 2 hours, but couldn't sleep. So I got her up and took her for ice cream while Daddy and Max finished their naps. It was a nice little escape for us. We had a good day together.

Tonight, when I was tucking her in, I told her how much I loved our special time together. I asked her if she would still come back home and have special Mommy and Ellie time with me even when she leaves and moves out. She started to get really upset. She said she would be here forever and didn't want me to leave her. I said that was fine, I would be here as long as she wanted me to, but one day she would want to leave - not me. She said adamently, "No, I want to stay here with you forever." I just said okay Ellie, whatever you want is fine. I'll be here.

She is adorable and cracks me up! I love her very much.

Ellie loves Christmas

It's not news that Ellie loves Christmas. She requests CHristmas Chorals all year around. So, when we were shopping yesterday and she spotted her first Christmas Tree of the season, she was thrilled beyond belief! She let out a shriek of laughter and pointed! It was so cute. Most people, adults that is, cring at the site of a tree on Oct 1st, but not our Ellie Bean!

First enjoyable Merry-Go-Round Ride

Max has been on the Merry Go Round about 2 or 3 times, but he's always seemed indifferent. Tonight, for the first time, he was acting like he was riding a horsey and desperately trying to hold on. Then, when it was over and David took him off, he screamed! He wanted to go again... my cute little boy who is growing so much!

Waiting and anticipating, my handsome family...

Return of Sven

I put off Max's third haircut as long as I could. I decided that this was the weekend. After nap, we headed to the mall to do the deed. I dreaded this. David wondered why I just didn't try to do it at home myself. I shutter at the thought!

I had David sit down to hold him, while I stood by to watch freely. As soon as Max looked around, his little lip puckered up and he began to cry for Mama, mama, mama, and then the crying got louder as he was gowned up. And it really hit full speed screaming before the clippers even made it to his little head. We perservered though.

The whole thing took about 10 minutes. The lady that cut his hair (same as the last one) was really fabulous and patient with both me and Max. I wanted it as short as could be - basically a buzz with just a little more. This helps minimize the number of return trips before his hair is too long. At times it took both David and I, plus the hair dresser, to keep him still enough to be safe.

Nearing the end, she used the clippers that give that close straight lines on him for the first time. He really screamed bloody murder when this happened. I was worried. Poor little thing.

After it was all said and done, I picked him up, brushed him off and cuddled him. The tears stopped within 15 seconds. When we turned around, he gave the nice lady such as stare it was unreal. She played with him until he finally gave her one of his winning grins. They became nearly friends... or at least he stopped looking at her with hate. It was over; I think he forgave her.

He's so handsome. When his hair is this short, we start calling him Sven - as he looks like our little Sweedish boy. David said it's the return of Sven!