If I Ran the Zoo

 We have been out of the habit of doing something fun every weekend.  I'd like to blame Declan but mostly it's my fault.  I've been tired and unmotivated but I realized that staying home doesn't make me any LESS tired - it actually makes it worse!!  So we got up early, ate breakfast, piled everyone into the car and headed down to Nashville this morning.
It was cloudy and cool and it rained on us on our trip down there but once we got to the zoo the rain cleared up and it got a little warmer.  It was nice not to be sweating buckets!!  It was also pretty empty for a summer weekend and that was really nice!
We had a great time looking at the animals and walking around but there was one major disappointment.  The HUGE play area was closed for maintenance for two weeks.  Aidan was really disappointed but he soldiered through and had fun with us - especially on the carousel.  I was a little nervous about taking Declan on the carousel since both of the girls had really disliked it as babies.  I don't know if Aidan was ever on one as a baby - I can't remember that far back!!  As it turned out, my fears were completely unwarrented.  He loved it as much as he loved the swings!  He was laughing and kicking the whole time.  I tried to take a picture of him but I was holding him AND the camera so it didn't work out so well!  I'm really excited that he liked the carousel - he's going to LOVE Disney!!!
We also took our picture on the rock that we always take!  It was Declan's first trip to the zoo so this time there wasn't quite as much room as there had been back in 2010 or in 2011 or again in 2011.  We had a great time.  It's always nice to get out and do something different!