moore.love.than.ever: Happy Birthday Ella!

My neice Ella turned 3 this past Friday and the "Zoo Party" was a huge success. First, they gave the kids cake and ice cream. Then the zoo employee brought in 3 animals for the kids to pet: first a turtle, next a snake and then a guinea pig. My kids wanted nothing to do with touching any of the animals but they were a little overwhelmed with so many people in such a small room. They stuck to those of us they are used to until we started walking to the train.

After the cake and animals we all walked over to the carousel. For some reason, my seemingly normal children do not yet enjoy the beauty of a carousel ride. Jackson sat with Kevin in one of the little benches (not enjoying himself) and Isabel stayed in my Mom's arms. When it started to slow down at the end of the ride Isabel decided she wanted to sit on one of the animals. But, ride over......

Anyway, off to ride the "choo train". In the last month or so Jackson has been damn near obsessed with "choo trains". It is actually one of the first things out of his mouth in the morning. We have a couple of "Thomas the Train" dvd's and he must see it first thing in the morning. I'll suggest "Elmo" and he says, "no Elmo, no Elmo - choo train". The train dvd's are really 2 of the hardest things to watch for us 2 adults in the house. They are sooooo bad. I really miss Elmo and his Sesame Street friends.
In the last year I have only had the kids on this train maybe 3 times. Isabel has always seemed indifferent and Jackson usually cries. I've tried to explain to him that he is a boy and boys like to ride trains :-)
I was hoping that since he has acquired this new love of trains that he would be grinning from ear to ear and laughing the entire time. Well, that didn't happen but he didn't cry once we started moving and when we got off he didn't want to leave it. He kept walking up to it just looking in amazement. It was so very cute. I'm now very anxious to get my precious little man back on that train!

After the train, all the kids headed up to the water fountains. I changed the kids into their swimsuits and let them go. It was pretty hot but still a lot of fun. What a morning! (We were back home by 12:30 or 1 for the kids nap)

Our entire family is leaving for a family trip Thursday so get ready for another overdose of vacation pictures starring Jackson & Isabel!

Happy Birthday Ella! We love you!!!!!!!

The birthday girl