Zoo with Gabby Girl

The boys invited Aunt Gina and Gabby to the zoo with us as our guests.  With the flamingos and penguins, we figured that there had to be something that she would see/enjoy.

Upon spotting Gabby in the parking lot, Connor was adamant about walking with her and helping Aunt Gina stroll her in to the zoo.

After the quick tram ride, we checked out the penguins who were at feeding time, which doesn't generally relate to a lot of swimming.

We headed inside to the new exhibit hoping that the penguins would swim by but they were too busy getting their fish.  Jackson measured up to the penguins.  While the boys learned about how penguins use camouflage in the water, Gabby was taking everything in and having a late breakfast.

 

We moved along to let Gabby and Aunt Gina see the flamingos. They were hungry and searching for shrimp.

We were walking toward the Giraffe house and Gabby caught some walking toward her. She shrieked to confirm that she could see them. It was the best!!!

She obviously LOVES herself some giraffes.

Besides the giraffe and flamingos, we are sure that she saw the elephants. While the boys snacked, Gabby got an up close view on the rail of them. They were having a snack of peanuts. 

After the elephants, we strolled over to catch up on the cubs. They were very active rolling around
with one another and jumping on each other.  It was the most active that we have ever seen them.  Such a great day and so happy that we could spend it with Gabby and Aunt Gina.  This day confirmed the good that can be of the boys only going to school on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  We are looking to more fun with Gabby.

If the Boot Fits....

We headed out to the Disney Store in anticipation of securing costumes for Halloween. Connor was adamant that he wanted to be Woody and Jackson was all over the place but seemed adamant about not being Buzz Lightyear.

Upon arrival, Connor toyed with the Captain Hook costume. We convinced him that since he was the Captain last year, we should stick with Woody. 

Woody was spotted and he requested that he try it on. We had him try everything on
except for the boots. 

Walking around and checking out Olaf.  Super cute but it was definitely the year for Sheriff Woody. 

We convinced him to try it on without the helmet, which we had anticipated was the issue relative to being Buzz and it was a no. 

He walked out of the store without a costume.  On the way home, we had to process the order for his costume (so thankful for a smartphone) as he was incredibly upset about not having a costume.  He apparently was fully aware of what he was going to be and Buzz Lightyear was not going to be it.  

Members of the Baltimore County Public Library

After talking to friends about the large number of I Can Read books, we decided to give the Baltimore County Public Library in Towson a chance.  We brought Michael with us to help figure out the logistics of a parking garage, which can be tricky with the boys.

We arrived just as the library opened and headed in with 2 eager little boys.  They knew to be quiet and were very excited to explore.

Admiring the view.

Connor had found several books and Jackson was in awe of the number of books that they had. The Enoch Pratt selection is small compared to what the BCPL had to offer. So many opportunities for our readers. 

 SO many books. Attempts to narrow them down can present problems....  Connor doesn't take no very well on many things and those words do not resonate well in response to books. Lots of bargaining between Michael and Connor.

Both boys LOVE books and it is so clear when you ask them to sit quietly and look through their book choices while you need to take care of something.  If you ever need them to be quiet or to sit still, you can almost always rely on a book  to accomplish this. 

After patiently waiting for new library cards for the entire family, Jackson was very eager to help us check out. He was super happy to help and especially assist with checking out the DVDs.