TGIF!

After a stressful transition period for me, I feel a little "back in the swing of things." All I needed was a little break. Jeff and I kept hearing people say, "I can't do that because we will be on vacation for a week," and we started to get bitter - why did everyone else seem to get to take a week long vacation, and we were here doing all of the work for the activities and jobs that we are doing - NO FAIR. So instead of climbing into their suitcases, we chose to take a few day "trips" ourselves! A change of scenery did us a WORLD of good.

Jeff took Friday off at his old job (which he is still working and finishing out his contract). Jeff NEVER takes off of work, which makes me a little crazy, especially when he is ill, but I wanted a guy with a strong work ethic. I was so happy to hear we had a weekday to do something! We took Al to the zoo. We have not been there in FOREVER. It sure has changed. They added a fantastic polar bear exhibit (the polar bears are twin brothers) which had a funny no-smoking sign that I could not resist taking a picture of for my blogging buddies!

They also renovated the aquarium, which was beautiful. Alli and I got to pet a stingray - Jeff passed, so we teased him all day that he was a chicken. Speaking of birds - dear LORD they let the peacocks run free. I am not a fan of birds - even get frightened in Lowe's since birds sometimes get trapped in there and swoop. They seriously have it out for me and sense fear. Alli loved every second of it. She wants to be a photographer when she gets older (and a pharmacist - she is 12, so we have some time). She took a ton of pictures which were quite good.

2 of the elephants were "with child" and were very active as a group - you can see them behind Jeff and Alli. Allison was appalled at the amount that comes from them when they decided it is "time to go." I have to admit the #1 was grotesque! Aren't you so glad that you read this today? All of the animals were out and very visible since the weather was mild!

Alli enjoyed her ice cream, but we out to eat afterwards. We stopped at home for a brief second, then off Alli and Jeff went to the Pirate game! They had a GREAT time on fireworks night. I enjoyed myself as well - not attending. He told her he wanted to take his "best girl" to the game. She was such a sweetie all day - holding our hands and telling us sweet things - even picking a flower for her mama. She must have known how much we needed it. She is just growing up, and we both are sensing her need to break away a bit. It is good to have a day like that to remind us she is still our little girl.

No news on the adoption. I just thought that you would like a little update on our weekend. By the way, I have had the privilege of reading many Guatmamas' blogs. They are so great. I just wanted to put a little "shout out" to them for helping us through this process with all of their GREAT posts! Leave a comment if you visit me!

FYI: Alli's softball team won 3 games which got them through the semi-finals to the championship game on MONDAY! How GREAT is that. We will post the outcome, but either way - we are P-R-O-U-D of those FREEPORT GIRLS!!!!!!!!! Good Luck!