Our First Trip to the Zoo

Well, on Saturday we finally made it to the zoo. The day was gorgeous and we were on the road by 9:30 headed south to Providence. The kids found out when Daddy woke up where we were going. They had been hoping we were headed to the Cape, but when they found out the zoo was on our agenda for the day, I don't think they even remembered the Cape.

So we arrived there by 10:30 and off we went. Liam in his stroller and the twins hand in hand. We were disappointed to find that the elephant's habitat was under construction, there would be no elephants for us. We did get to see a great many animals, though. Zebras, giraffes, monkeys, camels, turtles, flamingos and on and on. The kids would climb up to see the animal or look through the fence and then say "What're we gonna see next?" They really loved it.

Once we went through all the exhibits we came to the "Nature Trail" which is basically a little walking trail through some wetlands similar to any found in the New England area. They got to see some ducks, some fish (not sure what they were, but BIG) and a big turtle. Then they learned something new from Daddy. Spitting into the water attracts the fish! So, it took a little bit of time to lure them away fromt he attraction of being allowed to spit, but then we were on our way.

We made a stop at the Carousel Village and took a ride on the merry-go-round. There was a great little "Hasbro Boundless Playground" there also, but it was being repaired, sadly. So, then we headed to the car again.

The Roger Williams park is amazing. I found out when we got home that it is 427 acres!!! They have the zoo, botanical gardens, a natural history museum, tennis courts, playing fields, paddle boats and many ponds. What a great place to have so close to a city!

We stopped for a bite at The Olive Garden on the way home and the kids were so good. They ordered their "Swirly pimples" and chicken fingers and we got our yummy meals. Liam tried everything, salad, chicken, french fries, noodles, pasta fagiole soup. He was a little eating machine. We talked about what our favorite animals at the zoo were. Meghan liked the zebras and the flamingos, I liked the giraffes, Daddy liked the monkeys, and Nolan raised his hands in the air and said "All of them!"

We had such a great day! And the first question about what we were doing today..."Can we go to the zoo?"

First Day Jitters

Okay, so I think I had the jitters more than either of the kids. I woke up a couple of times during the night and then was up for the day at 5:30.

Today was Nolan and Meghan's first day of pre-school at Totland College. They woke up full of anticipation for the day ahead. Yesterday, they received post cards from Mrs. Connor telling them how excited she was to meet them and start the school year. That on top of their new backpacks, their new shoes and their new clothes just really got them all excited for the day.

So, everyone got their outfits on and kept asking "Whener we goin', Mama?" Daddy stayed home from his morning at work to see them off. We posed for pictures in the house, out of the house, with backpacks, without backpacks, walking, running, you name it. We piled into the van and headed off down the street. The excitement in the air when we pulled into the parking lot was so obvious. We headed in and on downstairs to the classroom. Once the door opened, it was a free for all. We hung our backpacks on hooks outside the classrom and headed in to look for our names. The kids find their names on the table and then stick them to the wall to show that they are there. All three kids started wandering the room, checking everything out. I watched them for a bit and then we decided it was time to leave. Nolan had other ideas... He came running after me as I ascended the stairs. I had to turn back and pick him up. He clung so tight to me that I hated to let go. He was scared and nervous and excited all at once. I handed him off to Mrs. Graziano and left, with tears shimmering in my eyes (I didn't actually let them start to fall until I was out of sight of Nolan). I got up the stairs and out the door and managed to drop Doug off at the train.

Liam and I enjoyed a couple of hours of Mommy and me time and then it was off to pick the kids up. Liam was chanting their names all the way there. We went in and saw Chrissy and Sean waiting for Mattie's class to let out. We both figured that it was a good sign that we got no phone calls. I went down to their class and followed the other parents inside. As I peered into the room, I saw the kids peeking through the crowd, seeking me out. They were all smiles and we gathered all their stuff to go. Mrs. Graziano said that Nolan's tears didn't last long and he had a good day. Both teachers commented on how independent the kids are, how they don't completely rely on each other and that they don't often see that with twins. It was one of my many proud moments of the day.

Once we got in the car, I got to hear all about their day. The songs, the games, the playdoh, the sandbox, the snacks. It was such a great day for them and I can't believe my babies are little kids now!!

Wonderful Sunday

Well, today was a work day for Daddy, so I was trying to think of something fun to do with the kids. I knew I had to get to Babies R Us to buy a new lock for the oven. Liam apparently thinks that's a good place to explore! So, I got it, but am waiting for Doug to put it on (it's just one of those things that if I do it, he'll probably think it could've been done better, so why bother?).

After that, we went off to Webb Park. They have great walking trails along the water where you can watch the boats coming in and out, have a view of Boston and just enjoy the fresh air. The twins took turns picking which direction we would walk in and we stopped at the top of the hill for a snack and a view of the water and the city. The kids are really enjoying these little nature walks, I have to do a little more research and find some more.

Everyone fell asleep on the way home (except me), so it was quiet around here for the Patriots game. Now they are still up (the curse of the nap) and watching a show in my room. Soon, we will all be off to bed!

Naturehood, Naturehunt, Tomato, Tomahto

So, today we tried something new. I was a bit nervous about it, not knowing how Nolan and Meghan would do with it, but we went ahead and did it. We braved Pond Meadow Park today. The walking/biking trail is 1.6 miles long and we only brought the single stroller for Liam. The kids did great!! We will need to prepare a little bit better next time and do a picnic lunch. They had some great picnic areas near the pond.

So we started out along the trails with a walking stick for Nolan and a lot of excitement in the air. They really had so much fun. They were checking out the woods, looking for animals, birds, and trolls under bridges. Each time we came to the pond, we would throw sticks and rocks in it. Lots of questions were asked and at one point, we had to stop and stare into a hole to see if the chipmunk we scared off would come back out. It probably took us a little more than an hour for the walk, but there were no complaints and just wonder at every turn. There were also vows to bring Michael and Katherine there with their parents the next time we go. This is definitely something we will be doing again.