A day at the zoo...

The kids and I had counseling this morning and then I decided I'd let them skip school for the day.  We went to meet some friends at the zoo. We had a wonderful time.  I was exhausted by the time we got home.  It was still a shock to me when our friend's little boy asked who the girl was with me.  I said, "My daughter."  It still sounds strange on my lips.

We saw lots of animals today- a big shock for the Little Rock Zoo.  We ate lunch at the Africa Cafe.  The line was SO stinkin' long.  The food was good, but the wait was ridiculous.  It was a blast all sitting around a big table talking with the moms and watching the kids interact.  This was one of the first times I've been out as a "Mom" and having my kids really interact with other kids in front of me.  It was a wonderful thing.  I found myself today loving my kids and actually feeling like a real family.  It's tough forming a bond when you adopt kids that are older.  Today, was one of the first days I felt like a normal Mom, in a normal place, loving on her normal kids.  It was so wonderful.

I overheard our little girl today talking to my friend Anna's little girl.  She mentioned to her that she wanted to be a Mom when she grew up.  Then she says, "Well, actually I want to be a teacher like my Mom, she went to school for that.  But, then she got married instead.  I so want to do that when I get older."  Too sweet.  

While at the zoo we saw 2 apes during mating season.  Well, the kids saw it too.  I had to turn around to keep from laughing.  On the car ride home.  Our little girl said, "Mom, my favorite animal was the monkey today at the zoo, but why was she sitting on her baby?"  I just told her I didn't know and couldn't help but laugh. 


Our little boy told me in the car ride home that he enjoyed his day at the zoo.  He loved making new friends.  This was a big step for us as a family.  We did something totally sporadic.  The kids have issues with having to know what's happening next at all times.  It can really wear you out. So, we're working on being spontaneous.  Our little girl had issues when I told her we were going to go to the zoo.  She was set on going to school and didn't like the change.  She turned around totally once we got there and met up with other kids.  I think this was the first time they met kids and felt totally accepted and not different.  They had a forever Mom, forever family, and now some great kids to call friends.  It was a wonderful day.