Home Again, Home Again

Two weeks ago today, I left town to go to Columbia for a short visit while Doug was on the annual high school retreat. However, I ended up staying for an extra week to help my mother do some much needed housework. It was exhausting. But I did end up with tickets to the first Clemson game of the season so it made it all worthwhile.

While there, we continued with Mommy Preschool as I have officially named it. We studied H and I. We ended our studies with a trip to the zoo with Karli, Nan and Gramps. Gramps and Nan have annual passes so we try to go a couple of times each year. Unfortunately, it has been a year and a half since our last visit. Macey didn't remember any of it. And Keely realized what an adventure it was to see all these wild animals up close. She asked lots of questions. We actually had to leave before she was ready because the other three little people were so tired. Being a native homeschool student, I used it as a school day. We tried to find animals that start with each letter. And since we had just studied G, H, and I, Gramps and Nan spent a little more and allowed the girls to feed the Giraffes, and ride the Horses. It made the trip even more special.

Here is a picture of our little man enjoying his first trip to the zoo. He was also ready for his first Clemson game (though he didn't go and couldn't watch it on tv). He is sixth months old this week! Hard to believe. He isn't quite sitting up on his on but it won't be long. He met his new cousin this week. Aunt Sherri had her 2nd baby, Brody last week while we were there. How fun, Kres now has a boy cousin his age on both sides of his family! Here is a picture of us feeding the giraffes. All three girls said they wanted to do it, and then they would all pull their hands away. But they loved being so close to the giraffe and watching him eat. I have to admit, I was pretty amazed myself.Here is Macey riding her horse. I think she might have been a little too small. Her legs weren't long enough for her feet to fit in the stirrups so the only thing holding her on was her hands. She kind of hunched over the whole time to keep her balance. And I held her hands to make sure she didn't let go. I thought she might back out but she didn't. Keely on the other hand look like a natural up there. Even the zoo workers asked if she had been on one before. She had great posture, held on, bounced with the horse, and smiled the whole time. It made me want to get her riding lessons. Now that my official photographer has moved away, I told Doug we are going to have to come up with something new. He has always enjoyed taking pictures, so I am hoping he will pick it up and really learn what he is doing. Here is one he took at the zoo Saturday that I absolutely LOVE! His comment was it's a "Mini-me"

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