ZooDay!

We went to the Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium in Phoenix today. GreatDay! We all had a fabulous time. Both kids did wonderfully. FeelingGood!

We had 'planned' to get out by 8am. But, oddly, both slept in until about 7:20. Very unusual for my very unfortunately early risers. But I was ecstatic, because this meant maybe, just maybe, we could get through the adventure pretty meltdown-free and I WAS RIGHT! Doesn't happen often, but I WAS RIGHT!

We got out about 9:45 and arrived just about 11. Perfect 'winter' weather down in Phoenix, low to mid-60's and sunny. PerfectlyPerfect. We pretty much headed straight to the Petting Zoo. OHMEGOODNESS, Zachy is fearless. His fifteen month old self was petting anything and everything. He wobble-walked himself all the way through. Full of Gleeful Screeching as he petted adorable soft furry creatures. Mackenzie enjoyed the Petting Zoo as well, but her Highlight was feeding the Giraffes. That's right, she got up close and personal and fed those beautifully exquisite mammals. She was absolutely giddy with giggles. Smiling just picturing their faces. The train was a hit with both. Zachy's first time, first aware time anyways. Mackenzie got to pet some sea creatures in the Aquarium, but then her dress got slightly wet, so that was a bit of a dramatic moment. She's in a phase where she can't tolerate being wet or dirty at all. However, she worked through it like a champ and pulled herself together. Two slightly older toddler girls flirted shamelessly with Zachy. He's a toddlergirl magnet I tell ya. And, of course, he got a bunch of the usual 'he's so cute' smiles and looks. He is. What can I say?

Mackenzie got plenty of those 'she's so cute' looks too. She looked sweet in her gray polka dot dress with leggings and boots. Her sweet appearance can be a bit misleading at times. We were checking out the porcupines, which she thought were simply adorable and a woman made a comment to her and My Little Miss Social Skills made her sharp grunt noise. Love that noise. I guess it's a 'thing' in the preschool. But it comes out of nowhere. I suppose they do it to one another in Preschool when so and so is mad at so and so and doesn't want to play. I need to put a warning sign on her of sorts when we take her out in public. Something like 'Beware, I'm not as sweet as I look.' We have a little market a few miles over run by a nice couple. Mackenzie is never nice to the lady. She always gives her 'the noise' when the lady tries to talk to her. The couple laughs when they see her come up, because it has become somewhat of a game between Mackenzie and the lady. Until last time. Last time the lady asked about her something and Mackenzie started responding. When we left Mackenzie said they were friends now. We'll see what happens next time. At least she's got the 'Don't Talk to Strangers' thing down, right?

After the zoo we debated whether to do the drive through thing or actually take them out to a restaurant. We were worried we might be pushing our luck, but we went to Chili's. They did FABULOUSLY! No meltdowns! WOW! We ate and got in the car and even the hour and a half car ride home was fine. Zachy napped a bit and then cried for about five after he woke up, but otherwise, a peaceful ride home.

You never know what to expect when you venture out with two toddlers, but when it works, it's FUN! And today was FUN! Yay! We had a nice evening, played, took baths and now it is 8:15 pm and both are sound asleep in their beds.