zoo, kids and east-west stuff

We spent the entire day at the zoo yesterday. Since it is a short distance, we walked to the park, had a picnic, then went to the zoo. It had been a long time since we had been to the zoo, if you don't count Boo at the Zoo-this time last year we went to the Toronto zoo. Lauryn was dying to see giraffes again. The kids were so excited seeing the animals, especially Lauryn and Josh. Amelia spent a lot of time reading all the animal descriptions, with Lauryn joining in on small words. We were dissapointed when we realized this zoo has no big African exhibit, but the kids loved the discovery centre. Josh especially enjoyed the fish and bats. Since Amelia studied bats last year she had a lot of input. Josh also really like using the handicapped buttone to let himself in and out of all the areas-what a turkey! After ice cream, drink and snack breaks it was almost 5, so we took a ride on the train which the kids loved, but especially Josh-who is fscinagted with all things motorized. That kid also has an uncanny ability to operate anything electronic or motorized. How he knows what each button does is beyond me. He is so good with his hands-I thought Lauryn was good at puzzles at 2, but Josh has developed even better hand eye co-ordination. He is such a boy, that is for sure.

Amelia is at her first real sleepover. I don't count when she stays at our friends and relatives while we are there too, so this is her first one without us. The parents are also our friends, and their daughter is a super kid, I am sure they are having a blast. It is another step though, seeing how grown up she is at times. I can't believe how tall, graceful, creative, thoughtful and beautiful she has become. My kids really amaze me.

We are getting ready for another day out today, just catching up on some housework. I miss having our housecleaner we hired in Kingston. He made life so much easier-we would come home after breakfast on Saturdays and voila, clean house. It doesn't get any better! Speaking of which, I have felt so homesick for Kingston lately, probably because it is summer. I miss the lakeshore being 5 minutes from our house, I miss the berry fiedls and apple orchards along the lakeshore. I miss the continual street festivals at centennial park and downtown. I miss the roadside fruit and veggie stands, the antiques, teahouses, the historical corn maze(with actual history about the slave trade-not just running around in corn!), and the pumpkin cart in the fall. I miss our neighbourhood which really celebrated the seasons, and I looked forward to the postcard beauty of the fall. The lakes and life were just so enjoyable-the history of the region impossible to replicate. We felt priveledged to live there. Not to mention the fact that we insured our house and two vehicles for the price of one vehicle here! lol We have been here almost a year now, and I think we are ready to leave. Once we have tried a few more restaurants on our list, and done just a few more activiities, we will have done/seen this area and are ready to go, that is for sure. Everyone on Dave's course is so ready to leave too. Cross country moves are eventful for sure. We will travel west through the states, to sight see. Should be fun-we will soon map out our trip, hotels, events etc.