The Mother of the Year Award Goes To....

ME!!!! Sure, I'm well aware that there are those "super moms" who only allow their children to eat organic, don't allow their children to watch any tv...some even have their 2 year olds potty trained!!! And while that's all well and good...even impressive...I've decided I deserve the award...and if it's not for Mother of the Year, then it's for Mother of the Day!!!

Before Jason left for work this morning, he asked his usual question, "What do you two have planned for the day?". I realized that we didn't have ANYTHING planned. So online I went...looking for something out of the ordinary, not to mention FUN for the two of us to do. For some reason, I checked out the site for the KC Zoo, and saw that today was $2 day. Can't beat that...so the decision was made-ZOO HERE WE COME!!!

Hayden was thrilled by the idea...he couldn't wait to see monkeys, but decided he, "don't want to see alligators Mama". When we pulled in to the lot, Hayden was sound asleep, and the parking lot was overwhelmingly full. Okay...deep breath. I glanced at the outside temp in my van...was relieved to see that it was still in the 70's (78, but still 70's)...hopped out and started getting everything organized for our venture.

After the long walk to the zoo entrance, and dealing with a very rude fellow zoo-goer, we were in and on our way to find some ANIMALS!!! And that's exactly what we did. We chose to go to the Africa side-Hayden was requesting giraffes, elephants and zebras-so we headed that way. I have to say...there was LOTS of walking with very few animals on the way over there, and I was starting to become a bit discouraged...but eventually we covered the basics...monkeys, flamingos (Africa?), strange river hog-things...plus the above mentioned animals. We stopped and took advantage of the $2 hotdog deals, dranks LOADS of water, crossed a horribly nauseating swaying bridge (twice), rode a tram and a train (I really think those were Hayden's highlights), and of course...hit the gift shop on the way out (where he chose a Rhino). After 4 1/2 full hours of Zoo-ing, it was time to hit the road. Back to the van we went-a quick diaper change in the parking lot, a stop for gas, an impromptu stop along the side of the road to retrieve fruit snacks that were dropped...and even a quick nap...and we were HOME!!!

Hayden had fallen asleep in the van of course, and by the time I got him upstairs and in to his bed, he was wide awake and looking at me like, "Right Mommy...there's no WAY I'm going to fall back asleep...remember that nap in the van? That was it!!" In fact, right now, he's in his bed talking and talking...and talking. My guess is...there will be no nap...which as his pregnant, sweaty, exhausted Mommy, I was REALLY needing!!!

So-while it was a lot of work alone, we had a great time. And best of all...you know all of that talking he's doing in his room? He's talking about all of the animals he saw today!!! 100% worth it...but I'm still holding out for a medal of some sort!!!!