When I was in third grade, my parents took us to New York in November.  To see the windows, of course.  (Christmas window displays in Manhattan are hard to beat.)  We took a horse drawn carriage ride around Central Park.  We ate breakfast at some fancy place where I got a hot chocolate that was literally to die for. We rode in checker cabs.

Checker cabs could seat four passengers, because they had flip-down seats attached to the back of the driver and passenger seats.  Checker cabs are not safe and are extinct.  I thought they were amazing.  I thought pretty much everything was amazing.

I also gaped at the world from the top of the Empire State Building.  I couldn't believe all that city below me.  I couldn't believe all the cabs.  I started counting.  I got to thirty or so when the light changed and they all zoomed away.  

*     *     *     *

As a kid, Durel recalls his Uncle Larry's property as a huge place full of adventures.  There were pigs.  There were trees, maybe hundreds.  There were alligators in the creek (right, Durel?).  There were fishing trips.  There was always a boat.  And there was Uncle Larry and Aunt Sue.

I'm sure "the property," as it is still known to us, is smaller to Durel now that he's a legit grown-up, but we saw a glimpse of the mystique it had to him when we took Jack and Sawyer there on our recent trip to New Orleans.

Jack will never forget it.  He is already asking when we can go back.

Because:

Baby chickens!

Grown up chickens!

Eggs to gather! (And pants to pull up!) 

Crawfish to eat! (Once Mom peels them for you.)

His world was busier that day than my view from the top of the Empire State Building.  He had to feed the baby chicks (Green grass.  GREEN, Mom.)  He had to feed the grown-up chickens.  (Bread, Mom.)  He had to gather the eggs with Uncle Larry.  (So carefully, Mom.)  He had to play with the dogs.  He had to eat the crawfish.  He had to do it all again.

Watching him gave us all a rosy glow.

As for SawDog, he had a rosy glow, too, in the arms of his new favorite, Aunt Sue.

He's still deciding about Uncle Larry.

I think that means another trip is required.  (And this time, I want a drive-through daiquiri.)

Hope you remember the grand scale of things today.

Talk soon,
Heather

Wildlife, Part Two

So, the second reason that the San Antonio Zoo rocked our socks off the other weekend is this.  Wait for it.

It has a petting zoo.

Yes, I am aware that lots of zoos have petting zoos, but this one was great.  They have a variety of goats and pigs for the kids to pet.  They have a zoo employee (who is good with children, natch) there to make sure everyone shares, plays nicely, etc.  They have brushes for the kids to use as they get all lovey with the animals.  

Did Jack like it?  Pshaw.

I am touching two pigs right now!

Minds were blown.  Pretty sure it was just normal business for the pigs, but they made Jack feel special.

Hey Pig, how's it going? How's your mom?

Me:  Jack, can I have a smile?
Jack:  Nooo.  I am petting a pig.

Jack's love of goats is well documented.  And the goats were a big hit,  yet again.

When I grow up, I want to be a goat petter.

Hope your day is goat-a-riffic.  And that you wash your hands after.

Heather