Guided tour of the Maryland Zoo at Baltimore

We were at the zoo, which is in our general rotation of places to go, and the boys requested the following photos to remember our day at the zoo.  Our route is the same every time that we go so it makes it easier when we get separated by a bit.  Connor spends more time at the exhibits than Jackson depending on the animal but they both still thoroughly enjoy the zoo.

If we do not check out the Children's Zoo, we head up the hill to check in on the polar bears. We are always hoping to see the polar bears swimming as they always show pictures of the bears swimming.  We have not gotten lucky yet but we will continue checking in on them.  We do a lot of encouraging for our part in the adventure.

We got the opportunity to see the new Eagle.

The boys went under the rope to negotiate a closer view of the  eagle.  

Next up were the rhinos and ostrich.  Unfortunately, the zebras were not visible. 

We ventured in to the aviary to catch up with the spoonbills and ducks.  Fairly confident that the only reason that the boys request to walk in is to find some more poop from the spoonbills.   I do my best to give them as much information on the other birds as I can squeeze in during our time in the aviary.

The zoo just added a hornbill to the exhibit with the kudu and gazelles.  The bird is beautiful and often hard to find since it tends to spend time close to the wall. 

We spotted the cheetah along the gate and what happened next confirmed the best reason to take pictures requested by the boys today. The cheetah put on a display of walking around the perimeter of his exhibit and spent some time walking in front of the glass.  Everyone near the exhibit stood in awe as it was awesome to see the cheetah that close. 

 We stopped by to check in the penguins on Rock Island before they moved in to their new exhibit.

After the penguins and a quick view of the camel, which we some how never have any money to be able to ride (wink wink), we checked in on the elephants. 

After the elephants and a snack, we walked to the lemur island trail to check out the red ruffed and ringtail.  The lemurs are always putting on a show.

After the lemurs and missing the siafakas, who were off exhibit, we moved on to find Hasaan. 

After a bathroom trip and recovering from the disappointment of not seeing the lion cubs, we explored the monkey house. 

The frogs were moving around every time that the boys moved their hand.  

An awesome view of the crocodiles before exiting after spending some quality time with the sea turtles too.   Connor is ready to move on the chimps and we have to pry Jackson away from the crocs and the turtles. 

It is a good thing that we go so often as it is hard to handle two boys in two different exhibits.  As Connor is now strong enough to open the door to the monkey house, which is heavy, I often find him chatting with a volunteer learning more information about the chimps or asking questions about the other animals. 

We couldn't find the situangas on the way over to the rhinos and ostrich.  We got lucky and spotted them on the way out to the car. 

Saying goodbye to Brooke

As we made the decision to switch the boys to Towson Presbyterian, we discovered that two of their classmates wouldn't be returning to Dulaney Day due to moves.  One of the friends was Emily and the other was Brooke.  Both boys have a thing for Brooke and since we had gotten together with her on outings that weren't for school, we knew that she would definitely be missed.

We had gone to our pool at the end of school, got together at Wiltondale Park and had her and her brother over as her mom did some much needed packing.

You can tell she has a little brother as she is always willing to push someone in a swing.  Super sweet.

We will miss Brooke and Derrick and wish them the best of luck as they return to their hometown.  

Returning books to the library

After some slight scares, we retrieved ALL of our library books that we had borrowed and set off to return them to the library.  Note: We only had 5 books but with the large number of books that we already have, it was a concern to make sure that we had all of them.

We had to divide the books out to make sure that each one of them returned the same number of books.  It is still a struggle for them to share and the idea of not being equally as helpful also creates issues as well.

They worked together on the last one. 

After we returned our books, the boys spotted this lady and offered to help.  She was very willing to let them assist. 

After helping make all of the returns, we moved on to get some more books and check out the movies as we were allowed to borrow movies on the 2nd trip to the library.  We picked Over the Hedge and Fantasia 2000.

Rescuing Elsie and being rewarded

Immediately upon arriving home from running an errand that included picking up Chick Fil A, we were introduced to our new neighbor that was in an absolute panic.  Her daughter, Elsie, who was barely 2 had shut the door on her mom locking herself inside the house.

We provided phones, reassurance and the boys attempted to entertain Elsie, which also helped relax her mom. We attempted to open the sealed windows, broke screens and helped her mom wait out the fire department.

Jackson and Connor helped give the fire department the 411 on what had happened before being asked to move out of the way.   The boys added that they were happy that they were there and confirmed their ability to help.  After they confirmed this, they told me that now Elsie could live happily ever after.

Jackson was so concerned for Elsie and excited at the same time that the fire truck was on our street.

The fire department gained entrance to the house and mom and daughter were reunited. The boys explained that the man who pried the door open was a gentlemen and had helping hands.

It was an exhilarating almost hour and we were happy to provide whatever help and reassurance we could.   There was definitely some relief on my part that any time that I had been locked out of our house, it was prior to the boys and I always got back in and didn't require help from the fire department...

The day after the "rescue,"we received a container full of cookies and a card expressing thanks.  The cookies were delicious and were eaten in a couple days despite the large amount of them.  Jackson and Connor are definitely ready for a play date with Elsie.

Going to the pool for ice cream

Now, that the ice cream bell has been discovered, it can not be avoided.  Our pool does not allow the purchase of ice cream unless it is a selected time. 

This was super helpful until our 4 1/2 year olds figured out that the bell equals ice cream and they are not shy when he comes to asking the staff about the ice cream.

We now need to find a reason to get them to the pool other than ice cream.  We can attempt to use the we didn't bring any money excuse but Connor is incredibly observant and persistent and will deliver a verbal assault if he feels as though he has been wronged....

Ice Cream at the Pool

It has take awhile but the boys finally put together that the ring at our pool was for the ice cream bell. They have NEVER really taken to ice cream and don't do cold beverages in general. Their juice is refrigerated and mixed with room temperature water so we've always thought it was an issue with how cold that it is.

Apparently, we were wrong and they do like ice cream. 

Connor selected the oreo cookie pop and definitely gave it a thumbs up.  You know that he likes something a lot when he won't share.  He is generally willing to share but he wouldn't even let us take a taste.  Despite enjoying his oreo cookie pop, and in typical Connor, he was obsessed with Jackson's push pop.  He confirmed that he could have one the next time and that allowed him to relax a little. 

This sweet boy was in LOVE with his Pop Up. He is generally unwilling to try anything and especially if multiple colors are involved.  It was surprising that he a) picked it due to the numerous colors and b) consumed it as quickly as he did.  

In the end, he needed a little help as it was melting a good bit, but he didn't want help with eating, just help to secure that it wasn't dripping everywhere. 

They've already asked to go back to the pool to get their next ice cream. It is a certainty that Connor wants the Pop Up.

Members of the Enoch Pratt library

With the boys loving books as much as they do, we figured that it was finally time to get them their own library cards.  We decided on the Enoch Pratt branch in Roland Park as there is adjacent parking.

It was a beautiful day and the boys were super excited. 

We had discussed that being quiet in the library was essential.  And, they were reminded of this again prior to entering.

We found the children's books and the boys were incredibly excited to see the large number of books available for them to review.  Prior to our next visit, we will do our best to compile a list of our favorite authors to see if there are books available to borrow. 

We were able to read several of the books and make a selection of books to bring home with us.  There was a large pile of books to be returned to the shelves and both boys wanted to picked through this pile and retrieved anything that they could find with an animal on it.

After completing the paperwork, the boys were given their very own library cards. Connor provided his pile of books and handed over his library card. He was so proud of the card and immediately put it in his pocket for safekeeping.  

Besides their library cards, the boys also helped carry out their own books. We were limited on the number of books that we were able to borrow for the first time and were informed that we couldn't borrow any DVDs.  Apparently, when we return, each boy could borrow up to 16 books and a set number of movies.   Before we get to the 16 range, we will have to manage the books we were able to borrow this time.

Last shots at Soccer Shot

We had finally reached our last session of Soccer Shots.  The boys have had so much fun with their friends from Dulaney Day, Andrew and Kim, and new pals.

Coach Collin gave the team some instruction on playing goalie, which allowed our boys and the entire team their biggest wish -- being able to put their hands on the ball!!!

After one last scrimmage, the boys received medals.

And, posed for pictures showing off their hardware.

A big THANK YOU to Coach Collin for taking care of our little people for 8 weeks of fun and learning the basics on how to play soccer.