Yesterday I took a random day off work to hang out with Andy and Grace. Andy started his Fall semester today, so yesterday was his last day of “freedom” until Christmas Break.
He was a doll and let me sleep in till 9:30 and then we had pancakes and bacon for breakfast. (Two pancakes with a total of 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup (measured!) and 2 slices of bacon for a total of 541 calories for those of you wondering if I measure my food :)
Grace went down for her morning nap, I took care of a few things around the house and then, after lunch, we headed out to Royal Oak to visit the Detroit Zoo.
It seemed like a relatively balmy day, but boy was it HOT! We pounded the pavement for a few hours having fun watching Grace discover all the animals.
It was a really nice family outing, but I have to say…
I think the zoo is depressing.
I know, I know. Start throwing rotten tomatoes at me.
It feels almost unAmerican to say that the zoo is depressing.
It’s like saying apple pie is gross or that baseball sucks.
But seriously, every single animal looked mangy and sad. All cooped up behind fences or glass. Hanging out in their man-made environments in the middle of the city.
I wanted to run around letting them all out like the gorilla in Grace’s Good Night, Gorilla book.
It just didn’t seem right. Sure, she thought it was cool to see a real bear instead of her stuffed bears, but the bear looked sad to me.
Anyway, now that I’ve got you either thinking I’m a scrooge or feeling gloomy, here are some pictures from our day to cheer you up!
Loved, Loved, LOVED the pictures!! I'll never forget taking Andrew & Caleb to the zoo for the first time. Caleb was blown away seeing the live animals. So cute! Regarding the state of the animals Rebecca…well at least they're not in an environment where they could be someone's breakfast, lunch or dinner and they are sheltered and fed. Enough said! Keep on sharing…
The Detroit Zoo has been a leader in free roaming “habitats” for the animals. Visit again in the Winter, the animals love it when it's cool. We are sluggish too when it's hot outside. Try December, it's delightful!
OOOOOHHHH!! Shooooottt! This was entertaining. Bright. Energetic. Kelly Hampton esk….I am reminded through your pictures what a strong, devoted, committed, in-LOVE-with -your -child- kind of mother, YOU ARE! You are steadfast through the rockiest of times. You breathe strength into people, and that's why they love to be around you. Keep sharing your life on this blog, and you WILL continue to bring light to people….