An Impromptu Trip to the Zoo

The weekend was a little crazy... again.

We literally had something on our agenda for morning, mid-day, afternoon and evening both days. Okay, maybe not Sunday morning. But otherwise, that's true.

I have to say... after working my butt off all week and feeling like my life is consumed by obligations, it does get to be a little overwhelming to reach the weekend and find it filled with... more obligations. And with whatever little free time we have, it's always a toss up of what we would rather do - chill out and veg at home (which is very important and healthy) or do something fun with the kids. We don't really have an abundance of opportunities to do things and I don't want to always feel stuck at home just because I'm a working mom.

Does that make sense?

Plus, it was a gorgeous fall weekend and I didn't want to waste that.

One of our plans (originally) was to go see the monarch release at The Butterfly House on Saturday at 12:30. It had been on my calendar for months. The best laid plans, right?

Unexpectedly, we rearranged plans to attend the funeral of someone close to our family - my Godfather's father - and the weekend appeared to be getting away from us with other commitments as well.

So... Plan B.

After making sure to get in a good nap, the kids and I snuck away to enjoy a little time at the zoo while Craig watched the Ohio State game at home. I love that Will is old enough now to forgo the stroller and get some exercise on his own two feet. It makes me feel so free and liberated to not lug a large piece of baby gear + diaper bag when I go somewhere with the kids. It's easy to fall into the trap of being a bag lady when little people are involved. So I've got our zoo pass and a few dollars for the carousel in my pocket, a toddler on my back, the car key in the pocket of the Ergo carrier, and camera in hand (of course). And that's it! We can certainly get by for an hour or so without the small bag I packed with water bottles and diaper change items for the girl.

We, of course, made a bee-line for the carousel right off the bat. This is a special treat for Will and he's been begging to ride the giraffe on the carousel ("cause I'm gonna' be a giraffe for Halloween") the next time we go to the zoo.

Another handy thing about a carrier vs. a stroller: just step on and step off the carousel with toddler in tow!

Oh, and later when Will had to pee... it was nice hot having a stroller in the restroom or a wandering little girl.

Will - growling like a polar bear in the mock den.

Sophie's new fish face. :)

On our way to the elephants, I got Sophie down and found it helpful to keep us all on the same pace by asking Will to hold her hand. They were both wearing their Buckeye gear and looked so cute walking hand in hand.

Doesn't he look like he's pushing off the papparazi as he leads his client to her limo? LOL

Ick of me. Cute of Soph.

Off to see the hippos and rhinos.

I enjoy carving out some fun time in a busy weekend.

And what a beautiful day.