the kids had to do nature 'challenges' at four different stations around the zoo and collect stickers for a free ride on the 'dinosaur train' (the zoo's regular train). i think that the rain kept people away because the crowd wasn't too bad and there wasn't much of a wait at any of the stations.
rubbing leaves into their books |
about halfway through the line it occurred to me that we weren't going to be able to ride the train. how was i going to get on with a sleeping manning? i had a pretty good idea that they wouldn't let the kids ride by themselves. i started scoping out the adults near us in line to see if i could ask someone to sit with my kids on the train (the 'track' is very small and i can see them the entire route).
i asked the train staff about them riding without me and he said that kids 4 and under are required to have an adult. he would consider letting mason ride but just couldn't let maddux on without me. so we figured out that we might all be able to fit in the open coal car. he also let me keep the stroller near the train so that i didn't have to bring my bag too. it worked out fine and the kids were all very happy for the ride. several of the parents laughed when i got in with the carrier and the lady in line behind us offered to take our picture (which i am really glad to have).
my delightful companions |
there was not an inch of space left in the car, but we made it. |
madelyn took this picture of manning's first train ride. |
i was starting to panic a little as we were waiting in line because i still needed to stop at the grocery store to pick up a few things i needed for the side dish we were bringing to the mops family picnic that night and it was getting late. a shower for me was already out. i would have left but we were getting close and we had already waited this long. once it was our turn, maddux wouldn't go near buddy and mason was having some doubts. a lady whose children had just gone offered to take a picture with all of us and i happily (and quickly) accepted.
i don't think the kids (other than maddux) even looked at buddy for more than a second - at least i didn't get to. we took our picture, said thank you and made a bee line for the car. i was able to text with matt about what i needed from the store since he was going to beat us home. and then he got the side together while i fed manning and we were off again.
on the drive home from the zoo i asked madelyn what her favorite part of the day was (the boys were all sleeping) and she said the nature crafts. but then she added that her "most extremely favorite part was spending time with my family. i am only a little sad that daddy wasn't with us too." how sweet is that?! i told her that daddy was doing something fun too, but agreed that it would have been fun to have him with us and that we were going to see him soon.
other than the timing, we had a great day at the zoo. love.
2 comments:
Great pictures of ALL of you. Glad you were able to have someone take some of you with the kids too. How fun to pretend with the grate on the ground. You all are so creative. Nana
That sounds like a fun promo. Nice of the people to take your pictures with you in them, too :) I'm loving Madelyn's expressions in her pictures (other posts, too). She cracks me up.
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