Swimming Debut In Red & Gray

Today is a day that Heathen #1 has been waiting for and working towards since he was 9 years old.  Today is his first high school swim meet and he'll be swimming for the same school as the Asst. Zookeeper did.  He wasn't excited AT ALL when he came down the steps this morning.

The high school swim team dresses for school on the days of swim meets.  Everyone in khakis and white shirts, boys in red ties.  They also wear their warm up jackets.  They really look nice as a group.

Usually, Heathen #1 has to be bombed out of bed and barely makes it down the steps in time to stumble to the bus in time.  This morning was different.  He was up early and ironed his own shirt.  After I watched him struggle with his tie for several LONG minutes, I finally gave in and started to snicker at his attempts.  The Heathens are not tie-wearing children.  Not surprising since the Asst. Zookeeper is not a tie-wearing person on a regular basis.

Heathen #1 was tolerant of my snickering and waited until I had regained my composure.  He then politely asked me to give him a hand.

I must say, I was quite proud to claim him as mine after he was all ready to go.  Good luck tonight, Heathen.  You have put in the time in the pool.  Have fun.  The Asst. Zookeeper and I will be poolside as always.  We couldn't be more proud.

  

3rd Generation Santa Debut



Santa Arrives!

The Asst. Zookeeper's mine decided to plan a family Christmas party this year!  And because he knows I'm a sucker for small children, holidays and parties, the Asst. Zookeeper volunteered me to do most of the planning - and that was fine by me!

The men and their families had a great afternoon!  But my favorite part was the arrival of Santa.  The Asst. Zookeeper was busy with other parts of the party and could not be Santa's Helper this time.  So, Heathen #1 made his debut as Santa.  And did a fabulous job of it for his first time!

 

Santa peeked at me between children.  I had to have
a few photos of him!

 

He talked to every child there!

This last picture is my favorite.  Heathen #1 looked at me with a bit of panic when one of the ladies handed him her infant who was no more than 4 months old.  He held the baby like a champ and managed to keep hold of his beard at the same time.

Well done, Heathen.  And Merry Christmas!

Zoo-Mobile

Several months ago, my mother called me while she and my father were on a trip down south somewhere.  She had seen a North Carolina license plate and was insistent that I needed to have it for our family vehicle.

After she told me what the plate was, I agreed that I simply HAD to have it if it was available here in Pennsylvania.  And it was!  After $20 and waiting six weeks, it finally arrived!  It is SOOO appropriate for our Zoo!