We're going to the

ZOO, zoo, zoo! Today was a gorgeous late August day in Ohio. The sky was perfectly blue and it was only in the mid 80s. Al and I both were off from work so we packed up the boys and headed to the zoo. It seemed like most of our neighbors decided it was a great day for visiting animals too. The zoo was packed!


Carson and Elias wanted to head straight to the aquarium to see the manatees, stingrays, and sharks. They even were able to touch a few various sea animals with the help of zoo staff.




Next up was the reptile house. The boys both pet a snake right off the back. We carefully observed all of the pythons, vipers, rattlesnakes, and gila monsters before heading back out into the sun.



The primate area was calling our name so we walked down the path to the sounds of monkeys and gibbons. One of the large silver back gorillas was putting on a show. We were able to watch a few of the baby monkeys and see two red river hogs. Elias thought it was awesome that the monkeys had a playground with monkey bars! That is until he saw there was monkey poo all over the slide. Then he kept calling them dirty little monkeys.


Carson was tired at this point so we headed towards the car. Thankfully our zoo membership allows us to pop in for a few animals here and there and not worry about wasting money on a short trip. Until next time animals!!

First day of second grade!

Today was the first day of second grade for Carson. He was very excited this morning and couldn't wait to get dressed, eat, and head out the door. Last night he carefully picked out his outfit and draped it over his desk chair. This morning he was starving and ate two strawberry waffles and two servings of apple cinnamon oatmeal washed down with a large glass of milk. Our obligatory first day of school pictures took place after face washing and teeth brushing. Elias had to peek his head in a couple of them too. I will have more information about his new school, IEP, and wonderful staff in our new district. Let's keep our fingers crossed for a fabulous school year ahead.

Four eyes

Today's eye doctor appointment added another small complexity to our lives. Carson is getting glasses just in time for the start of second grade. With a father who is nearly blind without assistance and a mother who has a killer astigmatism, Carson didn't stand a chance. We must have tried on a thousand pairs of frames this afternoon. After much debate (and a little whining), he decided on a nice, navy blue pair. The finished product should arrive in about 10 days and training on how to care for glasses begins. Carson only has to wear them at school and while watching television so hopefully recess/play/sport accidents won't be an issue.

Here's a sneak peek of our new little bookworm

Book review coming soon!

Stay tuned for my review of The Preemie Primer by Dr. Jennifer Gunter. I am just about finished devouring all of the preemie goodness that fills its' pages and can't wait to add another terrific reference for our preemie community. While you are patiently waiting for my input, feel free to stop by www.preemieprimer.com to see what all of the buzz is about.