Since we don't have much to do around the house right now (since most of G's toys aren't here), I have been trying to get out a lot with him.  Luckily, the weather has been gorgeous here!  It has been from about 65-75 and sunny every day since we arrived, with the exception of yesterday.  Anyway, today I decided to venture to the zoo with him, and I am very proud of myself.  I really didn't know how to get there, and didn't really have time to go to Mapquest or anything.  So I just grapped a city map and headed out.  We found it fine (but went to long way - took the short way home).  It is actually located inside the big city park downtown, so we parked, hit the playground first, and then went into the zoo.  Grady had a ton of fun.  Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera, but his face was priceless when he saw these huge elephants right in front of us.  It was the first exhibit, so he was in awe.  We also saw lots of monkeys, the whole farm exhibit (chickens, goats, pigs), gators (found out they actually do live around here!), giraffe, tigers, and lots of other stuff.  I was so impressed with the zoo.  There is a really big zoo just outside of the city, so I figured this one wouldn't be that great, but it was beautiful - super clean with gorgeous landscaping (lots of palm trees and everything - I felt like I was on vacation!).  There was also a toddler playground right inside the zoo.  We got home fine, even at rush hour, and I just put G to bed.  Eric is expected home soon (he has been in VA overseeing the movers).  I am looking forward to seeing him!

And because I always have to have a picture...

a map of the zoo:




We may become members because it is not too $$, and there are reciprocal privileges with nearby zoos, like the one in Columbia and the one in Atlanta.

Another fun thing happened while we were there.  I bumped into this woman and her 14 month old daughter (who Grady loves, of course)  that we met yesterday at the play area in the mall.  I thought about getting her number, but never did, so I figured I would never see her again, especially since this is a pretty big area (not like my old city where you always saw the same people).  I really do sort of feel like it was fate, like now we are going to become good friends.  Anyway, she suggested that we exchange numbers and said she wants to have us over soon.  She also has a sister who has kids and does a lot of fun playgroups and stuff.  I am so happy that we are already meeting new friends!