Wiped Out

My absolute favorite part of summer is swimming! Lately, Grafton and I have been swimming in our pool 4-5 times per week. Vince & Deklan join us too, just not that often.

I am ecstatic that my kiddos love the water as much as I do!

The problem is that by dinner time they are exhausted from all of that sun and water. 

In case you're wondering, that's a hot dog in Grafton's hand.  After an afternoon of over 3 hours in the pool & jacuzzi, we grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for dinner. Grafton hadn't eaten much of his food, but I told him he needed to finish his hot dog to get dessert. He was working on finishing it as I washed the dishes.  Suddenly he was quiet and that is how I found him!

Swimming, Medals, and a trip to the Zoo!

One morning every week the kids and I get up early, quickly get ready, and head off to Grafton's swimming lesson.

This weeks lesson was extra special for two reasons. . . This was the first time that Vince was able to come with us, and Grafton received two swimming medals along with his friend, Kate. These two kiddos have been taking lessons together for over a year-and-a-half. It is amazing how much their swimming has improved during this time.

As soon as the lesson was over, Vince and I took our boys to the zoo.  The last time we were there was in November, so we asked Grafton what he wanted to see, and he chose the goats.  I thought it was kind of odd he would choose goats over all of the other animals, but I suppose it's because they're something he actually gets to pet, instead of just look at.

On our way to the goats we stopped at the tortoise exhibit and watched them eat lettuce and carrots.  Grafton said, "He likes lettuce, just like you!"  I think he was excited about this because I'm the only salad eater in the house.

We finally made it to our destination and Grafton touched every goat in the petting zoo. He could have stayed there all day, but Vince and I did not want to endure the smell any longer.

Deklan loved the zoo too.  At the young age of 7 months, he doesn't really notice the animals. However, I think he enjoys the fresh air, change of scenery, and the feel of riding in his stroller.

As we were leaving the petting zoo area we sat on this real tractor and neither boy wanted to take his hands off the wheel!

The next animal on Grafton's "must see" list was the rhino.  We didn't get a picture of him because he was sleeping in the shade, under a tree.  

We also stopped by the tiger, lion, wart hogs, sea otters, elephants, giraffes, and a few others.

When Grafton woke up from his nap following our zoo outing, the first thing out of his mouth was, "I want to go back to the zoo and see the hippo and the camels". It just so happens that we renewed our zoo membership on this trip, so I plan on fulfilling his request very soon. However, I'm not sure if there are hippos at our local zoo.  I guess I need to find out!