we're going to the zoo

Sweet. Thoughtful. Ours...

I had heard them whispering, and saw them quickly cover some notes when I came close. They pretended innocence, but I know the actions of the suspicious too well.  But with Christmas fast approaching, suspicious has to be acceptable...

Their gift ...a date to the zoo. For two.

Tickets, giraffe feeding, snacks, and a photo-booth-photo-shoot. All that's left is the going...

On Cam's birthday, we took a pre-trip...for three. Just me and my two. We went to see the animals, and Gramma, too.  

My mom may have fallen in love with zoo volunteering at the first mention, and once she was there, well, we can hardly tear her away.   What started out as marking time between Africa trips has become so much more.    She divides her time between the giraffes and creating animal enrichment.  On Cam's birthday?  It was both. 

I love watching her work... ushering in the giraffe feeders a group at a time, reminding of how to hold the lettuce...come closer, hold it up.  And then he comes in with that long tongue, wraps it around the lettuce, and waits for the next leaf.  I could watch her and her giraffes all day long...

She built this contrapion for giraffe enrichment, which is always exercise for their spectacular tongue. Grain in the ball, water dripping from the jug. One approaches and then another. Spinning ensues as they each try to stand their ground, grappling for the fun.   

Watching them play is such a gift... one that reminds of of where we've been.

when the blustery weather is on its way...

It was a day too nice to sit inside, at least after a while.  The sunshine was calling us to play while the couch beckoned rest, but soon... the bright sky won out.  I wished it cool, but that never works, even when your northern friends would willing trade a few degrees of negative for anything resembling warm.  And so we went, and sweated a little, as we enjoyed the safari road and all she had to offer...

I even ventured a little further than usual {not without fear!}

On this Monday, when the blustery weather is on the horizon, and we get news that it might be 19 degrees in northern Florida, I want to remember to count the gifts, and thank God for them.
-being awake to ring in the new year
-watching the Rose Bowl Parade, twice
-watching her face light up because her friend was there for a visit
-being fascinated by the little black snake in the tree {only because I was in the car!}
-a movie date for four before she left
-a long overdue dinner with friends who are family
-eric making it in time to give Laura a hug goodbye
-her safe trip back
-laughing at Cam when he said she's sleeping late today... even though we both knew she wasn't home
-a few more days of Christmas vacation
-mini golf and all the fun. and him pretending he was almost-falling to be funny
-a new calendar, ready to fill
-the engagement news from a friend!
-help putting away the Christmas ornaments {precious treasure!}

-a maybe last morning of the twinkling lights on the tree {but maybe not!}
-giggling over her name tag being wrong again.  but in a whole new way!
-a good day at work.  full. and busy.
-the clock ticking towards home.

sunday photos

I can't help but love this face... he is my favorite of the seven, even though Doc swung close and kissed my cheek.  I just love the way his silence speaks such loud joy!  And this photo made every minute of staking out our favorite parade spot worth it!

One of my fun birthday gifts... from one of my favorite lunch buddies!  {It is actually what my gift was wrapped in.}On the days we work together lunch is always an event!

I call them my Mom's giraffes... and I could watch them all day long!  

More about them later in the week!

This is downtown Naples... where we hardly ever trek to.  But when we do, its charm seeps into your heart and makes you wonder why we don't head this way more often.  The Christmas parade is always so much fun... and in just a few weeks we'll be back for Empty Bowls & Chalk Art!

Some words to live by...
It is true... and yet this week, here it was again.  My two, toting around their stuffed animals.  Even into a store!!!  It made us all laugh, which is the very best part.  They can be downright silly... which I absolutely love.  So someday, when  your littles tuck away their favorite stuffed friends, have hope!  They just may appear again!  {and in case you are curious, that is a platypus and a honey badger!}


Happy Sunday!
linking up with Ashley Sisk's Scavenger Hunt Sunday!

friday letters... the first of 2014

Dear Friends,
Happy New Year!  You have been on  my mind and in my prayers... I am hoping you could wave goodbye to 2013 with a smile and look towards this new year with hope!  I am hoping and praying about a lot for this new year... near the top of my list is a healthier year!  It is hard for me to believe that I was down February through April, and then struggled with sinus, bronchitis + a breathing mess from October through December. {I think I am doing better... still on steroids, which I love and hate all at once!}

Dear Laura,
Your time home went by so quickly!  I can't believe you got on that bus today {don't worry Suz, she is probably there by now, breathe!} I am so thankful that Dad made it from his call to meet us so that you two could say a proper goodbye!  It was so nice being four again... and three kind of seems lonely now, but I am excited for this next semester and all it has in store for you!  It was such a treat to hear you sing in church twice... and I'm thinking that when Dad gets home I'm going to listen to your song again...

Dear Mother Nature,
Well... you certainly brought a chill for today!  I didn't think it was possible to go from 86 to 66 in a day, but my chilly feet are crying out for socks!  Really, the air feels nice... and we have been waiting so long!  I am praying that my northern friends can weather the storm with their electricity, and good humor, in tact.

Dear Camden,
Seventeen.  Yes, I can say it now without the threat of tears.
You have earned each year with your hard work and perseverance... and lived each day with a heart of gold.  Okay... there was that one day you had the temper tantrum about not going to the art museum when your sister was sick, but I think I can overlook it.  I am so thankful that you the weekend and a couple more days of no school, no homework!  I so enjoyed watching you getting started on that Eagle project...

Dear Christmas Tree,
I am actually ready for your ornaments to go... but the lights?!  Not quite yet.  I love how they twinkle and add just the right light to a dark morning or a cozy evening.  You have so kindly provided a spot for Scout to lounge, and it seems this year, you have come to an understanding with her!

Dear Scout,
I am still shaken from the crash you caused the other day.  Shaken, and amazed.  How did you manage to knock over the vase and only destroy only the flowers?!  I am so thankful nothing broke, or even fell from its place of honor on the piano.

Dear Weekend,
Oh I am hoping that you will come with motivation.  There is so much I hoped to accomplish before returning to work, and while that list is out of reach now, checking off two or three things might suffice. And maybe, just maybe, you have a beach sunset in store for me... I think my soul is in need!