I will start by saying that I love January in Houston! Yesterday was a PERFECT day and we soaked up every minute of it by being outside. We stopped by Panera to pick-up breakfast (I had the best vanilla latte ever) and then we headed down to the zoo.
After Jackson realized how much fun the fish tunnel was, we couldn't get him to move on to something else:)
We would tell Jackson the names of each of the animals and then he would usually respond with cat, little cat, or big cat if it resembled a cat in any sort.
It was nice not sweating at the zoo while looking at all the animals. I loved wearing a long-sleeve shirt with jeans and sandals!
Checking out the albino alligator and tring to wake it up:)
There had two baby elephants at the zoo. Elephants are a lot cuter when they are small.
We got to watch the elephants get their baths.
After we left the elephant exhibit, Jackson was walking around like an elephant swinging his trunk and calling out! Here he is calling out to some animal!
The African Forest is now open and it is really impressive. This is right outside the entrance to the forest.
Jackson ran right for the leaf huts to play and hide in them.
We could hear the drums from around the corner and Jackson was excited about the music he heard. He ran all the way over there and then needed lots of coaxing to actually play the drums.
Watching the chimpanzees play
Walking through the forest with Papa
For some reason I was intrigued by the rhinos.
Papa is sooo funny,
And Mommy is funny looking!
Just monkeying around!
We played around with these masks for a while and ended up buying the monkey one. It has provided quite the entertainment and scares around our house already. The best $5 we ever spent!
We left the African Forest and headed over to the monkey house. We heard some loud, crazy noises coming from the Howler Monkeys and tried to get over by them before they stopped. By the time we made our way around they were getting fed and not talking anymore:( Jackson fit right in with the monkeys climbing and hanging on everything!
The other monkey in my life:) Thank goodness both are a lot cuter than the ones we saw at the zoo!
Towards the end of the morning I asked Jackson if he wanted to go see the sea lions swim and jump in the water. From the time I asked until we got over by them he kept saying "sea lions swim, jump now!" I don't think he has ever seen or heard of them before but was so excited to go check them out.
He loved them! I believe we stayed watching them swim around longer than we watched any other animal.
Jackson was such a Mommy's boy yesterday. He wanted me to pick him up/carry him more than anyone else yesterday. Nope, I'm not complaining!
We sat down and enjoyed lunch at the zoo before we headed out because we knew after the train ride and all the walking Jackson did he would be asleep before we left the parking lot.
Right next to the zoo you can ride the train. Jackson was as excitied about the train ride as he was the zoo. We even got to ride on Thomas (the blue engine). He would wave and say "Hi kids" as we passed people on the ride.
It was a really nice train ride for a cheap price! By the end of the ride Jackson was close to falling alseep, but still thanked us for the train ride about 100 times. "Thank you for the choo-choo!"
We headed to the car and for home. Jackson was sleeping before we got out of the musuem district area.
I know I have already said it twenty times, but was it such a perfect day. I soaked in every minute with my family enjoying being out in and seeing all of God's creation. As I heard the flight for life hellicopter many times yesterday (since the zoo is right next to many hospitals), I was reminded just how short and precious life is.
"The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world and all its people belong to him." Psalm 24:1
You would think we would be done for the day, but after a short (no clue why) nap Jackson took a walk with Papa. Then we all headed out for Mexican and to the mall. Jackson got to drive boats and hide in tents again and ride in the merry-go-round! I think we all walked about 20 miles yesterday!
I love Saturdays and beautiful weather!
Brian and his parents attended service while I served in Jackson's room. I gave each child a piece of paper and crayons for art time and first thing Jackson does is traces his hand. He did a pretty good job all by himself. I really do love spending that hour with him and I promise I pay attention to the other kiddos too!
After lunch Mel and Sharon headed out to pick up their new boat and Jackson napped. By the time they got back and Jackson woke up the sun was shining bright! We spent the rest of the afternoon/evening outside. Jackson loves driving Papa's boat. We have been soaking the boat bribe for all it is worth and it works wonderfully:) Papa may need to leave his boat here!
Jackson thought it was a splendid idea!
He is wondering why he hasn't been able to swim in a while.
I think we may have used the boat as a bribe to get out of the pool, HA!
Step 5: Tape off the ceiling, baseboards, doors, and window. Then spray texture on walls.
