Friday, November 30, 2012

Thanksgiving 2012 {Part 2 -the Zoo}

Friday, we wanted to get out of the house and do something different.  Normally when we are at my parents it is always jam-packed with things to do.  So it was nice to have some time to just enjoy our visit.

We also decided to take full advantage of the big city and take Brady to the zoo.  I was so excited!  These are the things I've dreamed about doing as a mom.  All the fun things you get to experience through the eyes of your child.  And I'll be honest, I'm a sucker for these kind of things.  AB jokes that it's really just an excuse for me to go, ha!  He's kind of right.

Even though I was excited, I was also nervous how it might go.  You know the whole 11month old thing.  Could go really well or hmm not so great.  But to my surprise, Brady did amazing!  Stayed in the stroller pretty much the entire time and when we did get him out to look at an exhibit, he didn't even fit us to go back in.
It was also overcast and a glorious day to be outside.  Not too cold or hot...just right.  We went later in the day and it wasn't crowded at all.

Just perfect.  Beware for an insane amount of pictures.  This is mostly for our memories.

Brady really loved the aquariums.  It was our first exhibit.

 



And the monkeys were another favorite.  He cried when we left the exhibit.  I told him he sure acts like a little monkey, ha!

 They would run up to this glass then ran off.  But occasionally one would come and sit.
 Someone is excited....
 Monkey exhibit...can you find one of them sleeping?
 love.


 I can't decide if a sloth is neat or creepy???
We took B. on his first carousel ride.  I was worried he'd be scared once it started but he wasn't at all.  He was really taking it all on.


 
The giraffes were probably my favorite.  Amazing creatures.  Actually the Houston Zoo has amazing animals and exhibits.  I couldn't help but think of how amazing it is that God created all these animals.  Animals that we don't even know about.  Just another reminder of how awesome He is and how he cares for us, including the 4 legged ones.  And I never realized there are 4 different types of giraffes.


Johnathan the Lion.  Lions are another amazing animal.  Probably because of Narnia and Aslan. 

It was a wonderful day!  I am so thankful for these kind of memories we get to make with Brady.  Makes my heart burst with joy!
Brady was asleep before we got to the parking lot and didn't even wake up when we put him in his seat.  I think his first trip to the zoo was a success!  I can't wait to go back!
We stopped & grabbed hamburgers from Pappa's on the way home.  Mmm, so good!  Then we ended the day with a good ol' kitchen sink bath.




Thanksgiving 2012 {Part 1}

I better get this up before Christmas gets here.

We celebrated Thanksgiving at my parents, like we do most years.  This was a fun year because it was Brady's FIRST Thanksgiving!  Not sure he really knew what was going on but either way, it was still exciting.

Wednesday we headed north, not realizing how horrific traffic would be.  Note to self: don't travel the evening before Thanksgiving.  Brady did good considering the really long car ride.

I tried getting a picture (with my phone) of my little turkey on Thanksgiving and this is what I got.  Such a ham!

 Bless his heart....no personality!

 Finally a kind of decent one...
This is the 2nd time I've found Brady helping himself to an apple.  Perfect for a teething baby boy. ha!  He is a hoot!
At Mimi's house there are all kinds of toys.  For boys and girls since we have lots of girl cousins.  Brady was really interested in one of the dolls.  It was so funny.  He picked her over and even gave her a kiss!
 I just love his facial expressions.  Like what in the world...

Thursday we had lunch around 1.  Brady got to partake in the Thanksgiving feast.  We had ham, turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cornbread dressing, green bean casserole, mac n cheese, cranberries, and rolls.  For dessert, we had different pies and my mom made a delicious pumpkin dessert called pumpkin crunch cake.  It was so good and I think it will be a must have dessert from here on out.
 

I can't say Brady loved the meal.  Lately he's turned into a kind of picky eater.  Things he normally loves, he isn't interested in.  But we gave it the good ol' college try for his 1st Thanksgiving.  And I can say that he at least tried everything we put on his tray.  Turkey, mashed potatoes, mac n cheese, cornbread dressing and green beans.

 


  
Let's get real...he did LOVE the mac n cheese.  He is his father's child ;) Papa sat with B. at the kids table.  I remember eating at the "kids table" as a kid.  To fun!





We spent the rest of the afternoon lounging around, eating again and just enjoying each others company.  And maybe ate a 3rd piece of pumpkin crunch cake! ;)







B. enjoyed his cousins pushing him around on the plasma car.  He loved that thing!  Watch out cousins on the go...
These pictures really do melt my heart.  Such precious moments.




I couldn't be more thankful for my little family.  I have one incredible husband who loves me so much and is one amazing father to B. And of course we are so thankful for the miracle of life, our precious son.  I have so much to be thankful for.
My sweet family on Thanksgiving.  B's first Thanksgiving.
Friday, we ended up taking Brady to his first trip to the zoo.  So up next...Thanksgiving part 2: Trip to the Zoo.