Parkes Ranch: Smiles and laughter at the zoo

Adelaida watches the gorillas wrestle
while Estella (left) and Cordelia (right)
produce big smiles for their Momma

Now that I'm done with my dissertation, my personal stress level has been reduced dramatically. One resulting change to our lives is the structure of our Wednesdays. Since the beginning of January, all three girls have been in school four days a week: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. On Wednesdays, we all take a middle-of-the-week break and stay home together. Prior to February 29th, I spent most Wednesdays trying to do all the cleaning/laundry/cooking while the kids were awake, then spend two hours (or one hour, or sometimes just twenty minutes) working on my dissertation while the kids took naps -- when I was lucky enough to have all three kids nap at the same time. Wednesdays were a break from school, but not particularly fun for the girls. But on February 29th that all changed!

Yesterday was my first Wednesday after my defense and I took the kids to the zoo. The weather was beautiful, if a little windy, and all three of the girls loved the zoo. Granted, Estella and Cordelia didn't see many animals, but they seemed to enjoy spending a few hours outside in the sunshine in their stroller, and of course they were delighted with the frequent attentions they received from their big sister!

Adelaida checked on her sisters periodically to make sure they were OK

We met some friends at the zoo and our group had four kids,
all 2.5-3 years old. The kids spent a lot of time lined up
in front of the exhibits watching the animals.

All three of the girls had a great time at the zoo. Adelaida got to see her friends, watch the animals, and run down the paths. Estella and Cordelia found enjoyment in the simple pleasures of the zoo: sun, stroller time, and of course the wonderfully different sights, sounds, and smells of the zoo.