Zoo To You

Yesterday we attended the birthday party of 3 year old boisterous twin boys whom our friends still blame us for. At the party a local group called Zoo to You brought a series of snakes, lizards, foxes, and even a kangaroo for the kids to admire and pet. Lil, who has never met an animal she didn't want to take home was facinated by them and we fear that we may lose her to vet school when the time comes.

Grace was not afraid of any of the animals but did mistake the snakes for a food group. Ultimately she was more interested in the toy trucks and the buffet table. All seemed to have a great time, and no animals were injured in the production.

Of course, we didn't have to attend this party to feel like we were in the zoo. Visitors to our house frequently say: "its loud here" as three dogs and an excited toddler greet them. I've always been a titch suspicious of a quiet house but Tony, my sedate Brit, occasionally has to escape to his man room to watch golf, iron and regain his composure when the noise gets out of control.

When people told us prior to Lil, that their Asian daughters were stubborn I thought nobody does stubborn like me...allow me to reframe...I am persistent. However, my daughters have me beat in the loud and stubborn category and I can almost hear my parents laughing from the other side letting me know that I was not going to get off this planet without getting a little of my own back.

Gracie has found her voice. If I am more than 24 inches from her at any time she can bellow "Mamma" in a voice that rivals an air raid siren. She is quite assertive and will take me by the hand and point until I am absolutely sure of what she wants. And I'd better duck if I give her the green beans when she really wanted the chicken. She knows some sign language but refuses to use it because Mamma should be able to read her mind or understand her babble. At the moment we're allowing ourselves to be entertained and letting the tail wag the dog for awhile.

Lil has been experiencing our version of boot camp for the last couple weeks as she expresses her displeasure in having to share the spotlight with a sibling. She has gradually earned back her rights to the Leapster and is starting to sort out her place in the universe...just in time to start grade 1.

The dogs are really happy as they clean up under the high chair each meal. Bella is now trained to walk aside the stroller she is Grace's personal security dog guard. Tasha and Lucy still can't resist breaking into the garbage to retrieve a diaper despite being forced to recycle it onto the grass following a dose of peroxide. Sometimes a great meal is worth a little heartburn later.

Tony and I are still doing the weekend warrior thing...getting the house and garden ready for autumn in the eternal hope that our humble abode/money pit will be maintenance free some day...I do crack myself up sometimes. But then, what would Home Depot do without our regular visits?