The Rhino, the Lion, and the Zebra

Oh how time has flown!!!!  It's hard for me to believe that today marks the beginning of my third summer with Ethan.  Two years ago he was a four month old blobby baby, and now he's a little boy - a smart, funny, chatterbox of a kid who loves to read books, play with cars, and ask lots of questions.  I know these days are precious - he won't be this cute, cuddly and fun to be around forever - so I'm trying to enjoy every moment I can.

We had a very busy day for our first summer day together, which is what Ethan needs.  He's a busy kid who doesn't like to sit still.  Since it was going to be super hot today (high of 86), I figured we get up and get moving outside early.  After breakfast together and a few minutes of watching "The Lion and the Zebra" (Madagascar), we stopped at Target to pick up some paint for an afternoon craft, and then headed over the Seneca Park Zoo.  We have a family membership, so we make it a point to go the zoo usually about once a week, even in the winter.  Ethan and I arrived at the zoo early enough to be the first ones inside and spent the next hour and half wandering, looking at all the animals.  Our number one priority today was the rhino exhibit, but unfortunately, the rhino was inside.  The tiger was particularly frisky, having fun scratching himself on the tree trunk, and we also enjoyed the penguins, who were extra vocal today.  As luck would have it, the rhino was outside and very active as we were headed towards the entrance.  Trying to keep cool, the rhino was taking a mud bath, and then spent a few minutes sharpening his horn on a tree trunk.  Ethan told me he wanted to take a bath with the rhino, to which I told him, maybe another time.

After lunch and nap time (uggg.....I think it's time for another nap time post, another day) Ethan and I made some muffins, played outside at the sand and water table, and did a craft together.  I found a post about 4th of July crafts on Pinterest and decided we would use toilet paper rolls to make fireworks.  It was fun, but my busy boy lost interest after a few minutes, grabbed Mr. Bear, and told me he wanted to watch "The Lion and the Zebra."  Since I have been fighting a cold myself for the last few days, I was not about to turn down a few minutes of cuddle time in bed watching a movie with my little guy.  We watched the movie for quite a bit longer than I expected, and then it wasn't long before Dada came home.  Something was up, because Ethan snuggled up with my husband and didn't move for an hour.  I think he's got the same cold I'm just getting over.  My poor boo boo.  

Hopefully, this cold will run its course quickly.  And, if it means we need to stay inside in the air conditioning for the next few days so Ethan can rest, I'm totally fine with that.