Bock-Bock's and Moo Moo's

This past week has been full of visits from friends and family and an animal safari adventure. One of my very best friends in the whole wide world was in town for two whole weeks! Thankfully we got to see each other a few different times, along with their beautiful baby girl. They surprised us after dinner one night with the stroller I've had my eye on! Needless to say, it was a HUGE surprise and one I'm pretty thankful for. Cayden really likes it. He spent the entire next day climbing in and out of it.

I'll admit that having boys can leave something to be desired in the clothing department. Let's face it - Girls have the monopoly on cute clothes and shopping retail space. But mothers of boys do just fine - and really, you find yourself sometimes thinking that it is a good thing that you didn't have a girl, because you would be broke. Cayden is a pretty dapper dresser for the most part - at least, when we go somewhere. During the week, it's track pants and t-shirts. I mean, a boy has got to be able to run, climb, crawl, jump, and get into general mischief with ease. Jeans just don't meet that requirement. This has caused a few fights when it comes to actually making him wear jeans - but I win each and every time. My fear is that he grows up to be that kid in third grade who refuses to wear anything but sweats. Not on my watch, mister! Anyway, recently he decided that he will call the shots when it comes to shoes. Cute Sperry's? Nope. Refused to even put them on. See the cute flip flops - I think this may be the only evidence that he ever had them on. Even if it only lasted for mere minutes. Oh well...he's still cute.

With all the beautiful weather this weekend, I really wanted to get out and do something! I mentioned to Heath on Saturday that we should go to the Gentry Safari. He wasn't too enthused. Our memories of the safari date back about 20-25 years, and his expectations were pretty low. He gave in when I asked Cayden if he wanted to go see some animals, and he whispered "Yeaaah!" How can you say "No" to that? Sunday rolled around and off we went!

We decided to walk around the Petting Park area first. It was great! Armed with a $1 sack of food, we set-off to get up close and personal with some animals!

Cayden loves to make pig noises. He liked the pigs, but he didn't really want to pet them. I really can't blame him. I think they are gross.

 However, this one area combined pigs and chickens and he was pretty excited. He was also excited to not have to hold our hands or be in a stroller. He is something of a free spirit. I'm not sure who he got that from...

 We got to the kangaroo area, and one little one was half sunning itself-half asleep. It was prime for a good pettin'.

 I love his crouch down and point pose. There were times he got really excited and I knew he really just wanted to give them a big hug! Jennifer's cat is often subject to this excitement. It usually doesn't end well.

 I've never touched a kangaroo before. It was SUPER soft! Like bunny rabbit soft. Because animals "in the wild" are wild, I guess I assume that they are rough, and course, but kangaroos and sting rays have proven me wrong.

 I really loved watching Cayden and Heath together today. Heath has been so busy the past few months that we haven't really had a chance to spend time together as a family. Today was perfect in my book!

 Peacocks. Darn it, if they aren't the most beautiful blue. And darn it if their war cries don't sound like they are screaming, "Help Me! Help Me!"

 He wasn't a bit afraid to feed the Moo Moo's. Which I think are actually bison.

 These pigs were pretty cute...for pigs.

 Tiny Turtles. Baby turtles to be exact. They were cute too!

 You can't see it in this picture, but there were five camels all wanting some bread. Cayden wasn't a bit afraid to feed them!

 This is a lemur. He was having a great time sunbathing. Don't worry. He's on a leash.

 With Heath's assistance he was pretty excited to pet this one!

 I think Heath and I might have been more excited about the lion cubs than Cayden. Had there not been a slide in the pen, Cayden might have taken more interest in them too.

 He didn't really want to pet them, so he kept kicking at the gravel. Who knows?

 Running wild and free!

 Bunny!!! This lady was really nice, and chased down this bunny so that Cayden could pet it. Again - He went in for the aggressive hug!

 Walk softly and carry a big stick  - or whatever you can find on the ground.

And then make it look like you are touching an emu. Who, I'm not ashamed to say, scare me a little. Like they are going to peck me to death.

After the petting park, we drove through the rest of the park. There were lots of animals to see. My son, however; was more interested in the fact that he was riding in the front seat. It's the little things, I guess.

Every now and then he would pop up to take a look at something, but really he spent his time sitting in the floor board, piling up loose change from a cup holder. I love this kid!