I took the kids to the zoo today. It was a perfect day. It was a little chilly but the sun was out and so were the animals. The zoo was nearly desserted. I guess other people were busy making pies and picking up relatives. We pratically had the park to ourselves. I love the North Carolina Zoo! It is pretty spread out so you get your exercise pushing a stroller up and down the hills. Gabby thought everything was "awesome". I am so glad all the animals decided to spend the day sunbathing. Enjoy some pictures of our favorites.

The kids love the bug playground. Gabby thought the giant bugs were scary but she did enjoy the slide.

The kids told Gabby this monkey looked like Daddy. I think Matt is better looking than that?!?

To put up the tree or not to put up the tree. That is the question. Here's the full story. Although I love Christmas with all the beauty and twinkle of lights, I hate putting up the tree and I absolutely loath taking it down. We are going to be out of town for Christmas (Disney World here we come) and we would probably have to lock the tree in the den if we did put it up (to keep Gabby from taking down every ornament and playing with them). So, you see I am thinking maybe we will skip the tree this year. I like to decorate right after Thanksgiving. Maybe I will decorate the house minus the tree. We will see how long I go before I feel totally guilty and put up the darn tree.

We may have a musician on our hands. This was the must exuberant rendition of "Twinkle, Twinkle" I have ever heard.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to fit my entire family into one house. Jennifer was nice enough to volunteer her house for our October Birthday bash. Happy B-day to Big Mike, Little Mickey (Bubba), Michael, Bethany and Shannon!!!

My family got together this weekend to celebrate all of our October birthdays.

Bubba got a doctor's kit so he could be just like his Daddy. He thought it tasted good. I can't believe he is one.

Bethy took the longest to open her presents. She wanted to do it all by herself. Maybe I used too much tape.

The Michaels play together. Soon little Mickey will be as big as bigger Michael. I hope they get along. All they have is each other in our family of girls.