Did you know the zoo has animals?

When the family came down to visit a few weeks ago, Russell, mom and I went to the zoo. It was a beautiful day, and we just wandered around and looked at the exhibits.

This time, Russell noticed that there were ANIMALS! Not all of them mind you (the green metal railing around 80% of the exhibits was fascinating too.) but he did start to understand that we were looking at animals.

In particular, in the children's part of the zoo, the animals are more accessible. They are usually only behind a fence with a few rails like a barnyard, so kids can see them better.

Russell spotted the Xebu. He got this big grin on his face. Then he spun around in my arms and hugged me tight as if to say, "Oh my gosh momma, don't look now, but there is a big animal in that pen and it's gonna get me!". It was really cute.

He also got to pet the goat in the open goat pen while Grammy Nason held him.









Mom also took a great pic of Russell and me in the Monkey exhibit.



The zoo is more fun every time we go. For both of us.

Family, Friends, and more Family!

Part last (seven?) in my holiday wrap up series.

The last few days of our visit home were spent visiting with family and friends I nearly never get to see. Now that we are all 'that age' we all have children of our own, so there were kids everywhere! It was wonderful.

Some highlights:

Russell loves his great grampa.


Visiting with the gang from Keene.


TC and Alexis


TC and Russell


Visiting with the gang from Concord.


My aunt and Russell.


After all that visiting, we got on a plane and left the frigid northeast. It was a fantastic vacation, and I am still reveling in the fact that I managed to see you all over the break. It makes me so very happy...I hope it's not too long before we get to see you all again.

Random holiday tidbits and pics.

Part five in my holiday wrap-up series.

As with any good vacation, there were a lot of moments throughout the vacation that merit a special place in the memory. Here are a few from the days just after Christmas.

Helping dad play bridge:



And now for my famous card trick.








Saying hi to Rosie.



And finally, Russell's opinion of Physics:



Which brings us right to the end of the 2008. Next* in the holiday wrap up series will be our trip to Long Island for the New Year.

*Whenever I get to it.