In Like a Lion...

March is a very unpredictable weather month for Colorado. We have been known to get nearly 3 feet of snow or sunny temperatures near the 80s. Fortunately, this past weekend was more like the later than it was the former. Weather on Sunday was pleasantly in the 60s. It was a bit windy, but a perfect day to be outside. Since the boys were bundled up, Grandpa and I thought it was a perfect day to go to the Zoo. 

The "Wensuc Men" were ready for an adventure. We had gathered at the front of the Zoo and developed our strategy for attack. Blanden had very specific designs in mind. He wanted to see the Giraffes, the Lions, the Polar Bears, and then ride the train. Blanden conceded that we could also see the Rhinos because we needed to go past them to get to the trains. Blanden also warned Grandpa that the elephants would not be there because they have left for their new home.

Predictably, the first stop at the Zoo was to see the Giraffes. Blanden wanted to show Grandpa his friends. Blanden may have a future as a Guest Relations Ambassador for the Zoo. I overheard Blanden tell Grandpa that, "Behind this fence are are 5 giraffes who are outside (correct, by the way) and some of these giraffes are Baby giraffes,some are Daddy and Mommy giraffes, and some are Brother giraffes."

Although, it was Blanden who originally rang the bell for Ice Cream, Ellis's shouts were the most enthusiastic. Ellis treats the word "Ice Cream" as if it were a syllable and a half single word. Take note of the level of precision that Grandpa employs in guaranteeing that the spoonful of frozen wonder is properly inserted into his Grandson's mouth. On a unrelated note, Ellis must have received at least three unsolicited compliments on his hat.

Blanden proudly displays his joyous skills in eating his cone. Step 1: Get a waffle cone, the others are inferior and not worthy of bother. Step 2: Approach its consumption with reckless abandon. Style points are awarded for the amount of ice cream on the face; as well as the circumference size of the affected areas. Step 3: Lower expectations as to whether the ice cream cone can be entirely eaten. This will augment the sense of accomplishment once this feat is completed (BTW, Blanden did eat it all!). and Step 6: Make sure that Dad is nearby with an arsenal of napkins. Be sure to emphasize that too many is never enough.

Ellis and Grandpa on the Preservation Carousel. He seemed to truly like "Quality Time With Gramps". Ellis's personality is really opening up. He likes connecting with people. Ellis is always ready to give a hug and is becoming increasingly verbal. His sense of humor is quickly emerging. Fortunately for Ellis, unlike his Dad's, his sense of humor is actually funny.

Check out this "Sly Look"! It appears that Ellis and Grandpa are looking at some event in the middle distance. Assuredly, Ellis appears to be gesturing in confidence by placing his left hand on Granpa's shoulder...saying, "Don't worry. I got this one"

That is my B!!! Introverted, quiet, reserved, maybe a little stand-offish, but with a warm innocence. The two boys have very different personalities. I've always heard that parents equally love their kids, but for different reasons. I now truly understand what that means. It will be interesting to see whether these personality differences endure. One thing is for sure is that I will always love my boys!

Okay, this is the smile that will have me gladly turning over the car keys in a little over 12 years. When I took this picture while on the carousel, Blanden said, "I was sad that the trains were broke today, but thanks for making it fun anyway Dad!"  I had to stop and think...Wow! Blanden was having a great time. I was so caught up in my own joy that I forgot that this is what Blanden likes to do as well. Today was one of those days that you know will stay with you for years.

The trip to the Zoo was capped off at lunch at Tocabe where we ordered Indian Fry Bread Tacos. Grandpa ordered ground beef and Dad, Blanden and Ellis had shredded bison. Ellis ate as if it was the last day at the Pow Wow. Ellis also enjoyed feeding small pieces of Fry Bread to Dad (...which I didn't mind at all!). Blanden was mostly interested in the cheese. I was able to negotiate the occasional bite of bison, beans and fry bread by promising additional portions of cheddar cheese. Lunch was fantastic other than Dad landing squarely on his backside as he left the restaurant. No worries, all is well. Only Dad's dignity was slightly damaged ;) I consider this afternoon to be a strong victory...Yea, the Good Guys won today!