Sh..shsh.ssshshhhark!

Lily in front of the snow monkey habitat. She found them delightful.

No less than three times during the day, we've noted something awesome about the kids and commented that it would be blog-worthy, only to then completely forget what the thing was later on. This is the fundamental flaw in blogging: I'm an idiot and I should write stuff down for later. I'm not sure that's a blogging flaw, rather than just a statement on my shortcomings as a person. Either way, it doesnt' make for any better reading here.

Today we met with the Moores at the zoo and looked at the animals. I say this seriously, because I'm quite proud that the kids actually did recognize and seem to appreciate the fact that animals were on the other side of the glass. As a plus, Abby was not prowled upon by any bloodlusting cats. Lily was particularly fond of both the shark and getting to respond, "Shaaaaark!" whenever it swam into view. I, too, love that shark tank...those things get quite close and the teeth are infinitely terrorizing. I still can't understand how they have all those other fish in the same tank; one has to wonder if they're not just bucking for a promotion to the dolphin tank, the veritable "stoner hangout pad" of the zoo. The dolphins were playing hacky sack, for god's sake. But their tank is always a solo gig, and that's always surprising, since you'd think the dolphin's would be the coolest about not bogarting their digs. The sharks, on the other hand, looked like they were about to snap.

Sometime during our visit, we passed a significant milestone when Abby stated, "Hi Lily." This marks the first time either of our kids has recognized the name Lily in any cognitive, vocal manner. I've gotten them to say it, but only via repetition. What a fun new stage! Next up will be statements like "More milk, Lily" and "Get the hell out of my room, Lily!"

Another fun Abby moment that serves as a sort of antidote the one above came later. I was reading a picture book with Abs, and we were on a page of flowers. Here's an excerpt:

Me: "Tulip"
Abs: "Tooowip"

M: "Daisy"
A: "Maaizzee"

M: "Rose"
A: "Wose"

M: "Lily"
A: "Abby!"

She was so excited about her answer, because somehow a connection was made in her mind between the flower, the name, the word, and herself. It was cute.

Later on the girls put blankets on their heads and wandered around bonking into things, which was really cute and a lot like the scene from "ET".

Day three hundred and twenty.

Here they are in front of the shark tank.

Abby pointing out one of the more terrified denizens of the shark tank.

Abs writing on the girls' new art easel. Thanks, Reicherts!