I know I'm about a week off on my updates, but last week was pretty rough and my brain didn't feel like doing much of anything. Let's backup to Friday, September 5... I took the day off from work and went to John Ball Park Zoo with my parents, sister and Lil Man. We've had this on our "can't wait to do this with Brody" list for awhile and with summer drawing to a close, it worked out perfectly that we could all go.
A napless Lil Man was pretty touch and go at times, but for the most part, he enjoyed himself. His favorite animals were the otters, bears, penguins and monkeys. I was the most excited for the petting zoo area, but not two shits were given by Brody. He wouldn't even touch the goats... just clung to Aunt Z. Sadness.
I'm not sure if he actually loved the otters or just the ability to stand on the ledge and bang on the glass. After our third trip to the otter exhibit, I had to drag him away screaming. Sigh...
One of the bears was pretty active and Brody loved watching him up close and personal. Thankfully he already knew how to make monster sounds, so he sat there "rawr-ing" at the bear. Whatever. Close enough.
Overall, it was a great day. The rain held off and it was really nice to have some time together, just the five of us. I think Lil Man's favorite part of the day was the drive back and getting to see all the big trucks. Kid sure does love semis.
On Saturday, Ashley and I drove down to Baroda to celebrate my cousin's bachelorette party... with wine... lots and lots of wine. I've never been wine tasting, so that was an experience in itself. I have like 3 go-to, cheap wines so clearly I'm not one to expand my horizons.
The day can pretty much be summed up by a series of semi-drunk selfies of Ash and I. Whatever. We made it to four wineries (Hickory Creek, The Round Barn, Gravity and Lemon Creek), were escorted around in a wagon and had beautiful weather. Can't complain. For more pics of the rest of the party (rather than just these two idiots), check out Relatively Offbeat.
Sunday was spent detoxing and hanging out with my two favorite boys and fur baby. I hadn't seen Ryan for 3 weeks because of work travel, so there was some much needed R&R time together. We rendezvoused with a friend her family at the Quincy Dog Park to soak in our last bit of sunshine and allow the kids to burn off some energy.
Since my children clearly don't like to be followers, they both took off in opposite directions from the rest of the group. So Ryan chased after Zora and I sat and played in the dirt with Brody.
I love watching these two interact with each other. Ryan, having zero experience with children, does a wonderful job with Brody and embraces the "learn as you go" logic head on.
This makes my heart smile.
We squeezed in one last splash pad adventure on Tuesday with Grandpa and Grandma Z and Aunt Cindy. There is nothing that makes me smile harder than watching Brody absolutely lose his mind at this place. He is nothing but smiles, giggles and weird noises the entire time we're there. Next summer, if anyone needs a pick-me-up, join us. Guaranteed happiness.
On a much less happy note, I had to say goodbye to a friend and co-worker this past week. Pete passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday night from a massive heart attack at the young age of 42. Our department has been just four of us for a couple years now, so to lose Pete was very tough... he was a member of my little work family and I will miss him dearly.
Pete... our crazy department meetings and Mexican lunches won't be the same without you. Rest easy, friend.
