More animals

Animal Week continues at the Mihelich household as today Reed and I headed to the local Barnyard Zoo. It wasn't actually the plan as we started off the day. Today we were going to the Library to return some books, get some new books, and play in the super fun kid's area (we have a great public library.) We arrived at the Library and discovered that it was closed for the day because of a staffing meeting. Really?! What a bummer.

Reed was NOT pleased.

He was trying his hardest not to get back in the car using his best moves...turning his body into a board, alternating with going boneless, using his rubber boots for traction on the car door, etc. Being nine months pregnant, I wasn't in the best position to fight through it. Hmm, what else can we do? Promises of the Park paled in comparison to the stacks of books, a play kitchen, a huge fish tank, puzzles, computers (the list goes on.)

Animals! That was it. We tried to go one other time but the zoo hadn't opened for the season. We swung by home picked up a few things, including a camera and were on our way. Reed chanted, "Aminals! Aminals!" It was a beautiful day and he loved it. We saw pigs, chickens, horses, cows, llamas, goats, donkeys, deer, sheep, geese, ducks, peacocks, and emu. There was a whole lineup of painted animals with the head cut-out so you could stick your head in. I think Reed stuck his head through every hole and made the sound of each respective animal. I was so sad to discover that the camera battery was dead. I think I probably could watch a video over and over of Reed say "Eee aww" with his head on the painted donkey. It was hilarious.

While I was bummed about not being able to document our fun day with photos, it was a nice reminder to me just to be in the moment with him and not to make everything out to be a production...to do things just because they are fun, not because they will make a good photo. Knowing that the arrival of the new baby is just around the corner, it was great to have a special day with Reed, even if it began as pacifying a toddler's tantrum.