We knew it was going to be a winner of a day when it took us over 2 hours to go 25 miles to the National Zoo. Then upon arriving, the parking lots were full, so we had to find a garage in walking distance, and to top it off, I lost my breakfast in said parking lot. Grand start to our little "Family Day Trip."
It is Justin's spring break, and we thought it would be fun to take the girls places while we had the time off. It was supposed to be a nice day, so we thought, "Hey, how about a nice day at the zoo." How soon we forget that 85 degrees in Maryland is not a nice day when you are outside, walking, with 2 young kids. It didn't take long for both girls to start complaining.
And I was extra excited, because I had finally found the battery charger for our camera, and I was wanting to get all sorts of great pictures with the girls looking at the animals, having a grand ol' time. However, you won't find any of those shots in this post. I think they each actually saw about 2 animals each (and that is being generous on Naomi's part).
After a feeble attempt to see the animals, we decided to go out of the zoo for a quick street lunch of hotdogs and gatorade (which I passed on, per my episode earlier that morning.) For a few peaceful minutes we sat in the grass, ate lunch, and didn't have to discipline either girl for a whole 15 minutes.
Needless to say, we were ready to go home. (which took another 2 hours).
As we exited the zoo, Justin was commenting on the failure of our trip. Funny though, I didn't think it was. I think I have had enough experience traveling and doing things with my children that I have learned to adjust my goals. If my goal was to have a fun day at the zoo, looking at animals with 2 happy children, I would be setting myself up for disappointment. But if my goal is to get this kids out of the house, and do something unique and fun together as a family, then I think we still accomplished that. It may not have the been the photo-op I was hoping for, or
even really that enjoyable. But we went out together as a family.
And you know what? The first book Annalia wanted to read for bed tonight was the Library book about zebras. Because, you know she saw them today at the zoo.
The girls ended the day with a good, energy-busting, jump on the bed.
4 comments:
this entry is absolutely fabulous.
our key to the d.c trip is to go through the main gate. pass all of the parking lots and then make a left where the bridge is. cross the bridge. go thru the traffic light and then park in the neighborhood. its about a 1/2 mile back. it puts you were the lions are. but if you consider all of the walking you do in the zoo...its not bad.
and, you should have had the gatorade. :( it would have helped you stay hydrated. especially since you lost "it" in the parking lot.
No worries, I did have the gaterade - I downed that. It was the hotdog that I passed on.
I totally hear ya on changing your expectations... it's all in how you look at things, ya know?
Just an FYI... for future zoo outings... after visiting both, I think the Baltimore zoo is more preschool friendly... you get A LOT more closer to the animals. Seriously, I couldn't believe the difference!! Down side is you pay to go in, but we try to go once a year. And we've never done the whole thing... just pick the few animals we want to see for that trip and that is it.
Glad you were able to consider the day a success!
I love all your posts. John doesn't go on a lot of our outings and when he does, he kind of feels the way Justin seemed to be feeling. I use to try and make it all perfect, but being a mom and a teacher has taught me that you have to go with the flow. I think it's just amazing if you actually get to your destination and still have time to play.
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