Family Day. {Part 1}

Justin had the day off.  And this was our day.

After our last trip to the zoo, I told Justin that he has got to experience this with James.  The wonder.  The amazement.  All of his books coming to life.  It’s indescribable. 

So, we started our day at the zoo.  I thought, “I’ll bring my camera, but probably won’t even take pictures, since we were just there.”  Seeing my baby and his father was a whole different story.  I whipped my camera out before my lens had even adjusted to the humidity.

James and Daddy looking at the Grizzly Bears.

A Grizzly Bear looking at James and Daddy.

Watching the birds eat their breakfast.  Fascinating.

“Hi, Mr. Gorilla, remember me?  From last week?”

James’  new favorite animal: The Elephant. {2nd place: Monkey}

And from this point forward, it was all downhill. 

James started pushing the stroller {the stroller that will not be used again with this child}, and that was all he cared about.  This strong-willed child screeched at the top of his lungs every time we stopped to see animal.  He stomped his feet.  He threw fits.  He embarrassed us.  Big time.  All he wanted to do was push.  Even if it pushed into other people or in the  wrong direction, etc.

We did everything we could do to calm him/discipline him.  We finally got him in the stroller for a breather.

We stopped by “the farm”, and don’t tell anyone, but I kinda thought the goats were cute with their floppy ears.

We saw Llama Llama.  We was not in his Red Pajama.  He was not Mad at Mama, and he did not Miss his Mama.  {you’ll only get that if you read the children’s books}  He was in fact, as cool as a cucumber.

We tried to get James to see his favorite celebrity {besides Elmo}, but he was done with the animals.  And his shirt is still soaking in oxi-clean.

We stopped by the aquarium for some fresh air.

And then we left.  An hour earlier than planned.  Ten meltdowns more than expected.  We went home, temper tantrums continued, and I put James down for a very early nap.  He napped for 3 1/2 hours.  Something that only happens once every three or four months.  A nap that we all needed.