My birthday

I had a fantastic birthday! I don't think I would have done anything differently. George and I actually had made plans this weekend to visit friends who live 3 hours away. Unfortunately, it didn't work out, and we were both bummed. So, we decided to come up with something else to do! George had already taken my birthday off, and we decided to visit the zoo. The weather was perfect! It was a little hot, (especially if you are 31 weeks pregnant!) but with the shade and breeze, it was really quite comfortable! We tried to leave at 8, (which is quite a feat for our little family!) and actually successfully left at 8:15. We had bagels and cream cheese for breakfast. This is a big deal because Apple and I eat oatmeal everyday except Sunday for breakfast. George and I had packed and gathered as much stuff as possible the previous night. It was well worth it! Because we got their early, we were able to park close to the entrance without paying parking ($11). Then, we went to the Children's Zoo, which is also free the first two hours the zoo is open. Apple went in to see the goats. She wouldn't pet one until she saw me petting one that was just laying still. She started to pet it, and then a different goat started jumping around, and she did NOT like that! Afterwards, we went to the stingrays. I've wanted to see this exhibit for over a year, but last year, we made it to the zoo the week after they closed! I finally got to see and pet a stingray. Apple was not thrilled. Also, because we had arrived earlier than normal, more animals were out and playing. We saw the chimps and orangatangs and that doesn't often happen. Here are some of our zoo pictures.

Apple and George with a giraffe, a favorite.

Apple and George with the penguins. THE favorite!

Mama and Apple

When Apple was walking, she wanted to be pushing the stroller. I'm not really sure why.

Family photo!

We left the zoo around noon and had packed a lunch. We sat outside the zoo at picnic tables. We had sandwiches, apples, carrots, chips and water. I always think that lunches like that taste SO good when you've been outside in the heat for awhile! We were well covered with shade and there was a breeze, so it was really nice. We actually wondered why we had never done that before! Then we went to a cupcake place that was near the zoo. It was quite tasty and the shop itself was really nice. Apple was pleased with her cookie, but not very hungry, so George unfortunately had to finish it. Finally, it was time to come home for a family nap.

You might think, wow, that's quite a day, but it isn't over yet! That evening, our local waterpark had a free night for residents. We decided to take Apple, who loves ANYTHING that has to do with water! For 1 1/2 hours we enjoyed the water park. I took Apple on the lazy river with me, and she was not thrilled. However, she LOVED the toddler area! She wouldn't sit and she kinda freaked out anytime she fell, but she loved the fountains and splashing and especially these little fountain things that are under the water. George loved the fact that everyone also got a free hotdog and soda! Everyone had to bath when we got home, and I'm pretty sure that Apple thought that this was the best day ever! George was home, she got to spend most of it outside, she got to play with water, she had all her favorite foods, and she got a bath. I don't know if we'll be able to top this day!