Jack's 3rd Birthday Party

This afternoon, we had been invited to Jack's 3rd birthday party at the zoo. It's funny how we didn't have that many parties as of late, but ended up with two on the same day. Fortunately, Will's was in the morning and Jack's in the afternoon, so we were able to go to both.

We told Andrew that he needed to take an early nap so we could go to the party. He didn't take too long to fall asleep, but slept almost two hours. So, we rushed getting him ready and out the door. We were running about ten minutes late, but there was lots of traffic and the parking lot at the zoo was a zoo! Daddy offered to drop us off and find parking by himself so we wouldn't be even later to the party. We were supposed to meet at the carousel so the kids would go for a ride. Andrew found Keryth before I saw her. He immediately hugged Jack. It was so sweet. Jack had just gotten off the carousel, but wanted to go again. So, Adam and I took the boys. We let Jack pick his animal first though we were towards the end of the line to get on so there weren't too many choices left. Jack chose a dog and I just sat Andrew on a cougar or mountain lion closeby.

After the carousel, we saw Gavin and Shane. And Daddy had made it from parking the car and was just in time to walk to the Yellow Pavilion for the Animal Experience. The kids were supposed to sit on the ground in front of the zookeeper, but Gavin wanted to sit with Andi and Brian. And Andrew wanted to sit next to Gavin. The zookeeper first brought out a baby alligator and told us about it. The kids weren't scared at all and were totally entralled (too bad I can't say the same for Mommy!) Then, the kids each got a turn to pet the alligator. The zookeeper showed us how to pet it with two fingers--the middle and pointer fingers. When Andrew heard two fingers, he put up his horns. It was too hilarious! Andrew petted the alligator with no hesitation. Next was a rabbit. It was really cute and a big! Andrew must have like the bunny more than the alligator because he wanted to pet it a few more times and waited patiently in line to do so.

During this time, Gavin, Shane, and Andrew passed the time while they waited to pet the animals by trying on all the animal masks. They were being so silly, but still very cute. After the animal experience, we sang Happy Birthday to Jack. Then, it was time for cupcakes. Delicious!! After, the party dispersed and families headed off to explore the rest of the zoo. Andrew wanted to stay with Gavin so they followed each other and also played together in the petting zoo. Andrew wanted to go to the playground next while Gavin wanted go find Andi and Shane. So, we said our goodbyes. We had promised Andrew he could ride the train since we hadn't been in a while and he had been asking for it. So, Andrew and I rode it while Daddy went to retrieve the car. Then, it was time to go home and relax with some football (and more disappointing Texas football at that).

Happy Birthday, Jack!! We had a fantastic time at your party. Thanks so much for inviting us to share your special day!