Summer Break - Week 5

The heat followed us home from Geneseo, so much of this week was spent doing indoors activities.  On Thursday, the boys and I drove out to my parents house for a visit.  We went to Monkey Joe's, where Gavin spent about 5 minutes bouncing and about an hour playing arcade games.  I tried to fight it at first, but it was too hot for me to deal with the tantrums, so I gave into the fact that we just paid $5 for Gavin to watch me play skee-ball and arcade basketball.  Gavin doesn't even want to play the games, he just likes collecting the tickets afterwards.  Although they did have a golf game there that Gavin loved playing (and it didn't even reward tickets!).  But it was so sweaty hot in MJ's, we didn't last long. 

Friday we had a playdate with Gavin's toddler friends at Stay 2 Play.  No pictures from that day, but Gav had a great time playing with his buds, and Declan liked sitting on the ground and banging the fake peas can and fake carrots can together.  We also went to the library on Friday, because I thought it would be a nice escape from the heat.  But after about 5 minutes in there, we realized the A/C was broken!  So we checked out a few DVDs and quickly left.  I did manage to rent a few awesome classics: Mary Poppins and Robin Hood (the Disney cartoon version).  Gavin loves Mary Poppins, and it makes me so happy that he enjoys a movie that I loved as well when I was a kid.  We have lots of fun dancing to "Step in Time" and "Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious" (<--- no idea if that's spelled right, and no way I'm taking the time to Google it and check :)

Saturday was gymnastics class and laying low.  Sunday, we took a family trip to the zoo.  We were so happy for a break from the heat (and by a break, I mean the high was 85 instead of 105) that we felt required to get out of the house.  As usual, the zoo was fun times for all.   Gavin pretty much has a set itinerary for the zoo now.  We always have to see the monkeys first, followed by the fish, the frogs and snakes, then the bears, and then we kind of make it up from there.  This time, we also went to the Dolphin Show.  We haven't seen the dolphin show since Gavin was about 9 months and didn't give a hoot.  Gavin loved the show, as you'll see in the pictures below.  Gavin also told us that dolphins are Declan's favorite animal :)

Appropriately enough, jumping with a monkey at Monkey Joe's.

Gavin is getting braver and braver about what obstacles he is willing to tackle.

The mini-golf game we discovered.  As you can see, Gavin's form is a little unorthodox.

Grandpa tries to give Gavin a few pointers.

Declan and Grandma watching Gavin go for the green jacket of arcade mini-golf.

Shooting some hoops

Working the trains with Grandpa.

 "Pool Balls" is a popular game at both grandpa's houses.

 I LOVE this pic of Dec and Grandpa!

 The boys were stinky after a fun day of playing at Grandma and Grandpa's, so before we headed home, the boys took their first tandem bath, and they both loved it!  Because of the way my parents' tub is set up, I had to climb in there with them fully clothed so that I could keep Dec sitting up, but we all had a good time!

 Every time we get to the zoo, Gavin tells us "Monkeys first."  So here we are checking out the chimps.

 I included this pic because of my pure craziness, especially those eyes.  If you could hear my thoughts, I think they were "If you throw that poop at me monkey, I will end you."

 A super cute pic of Daddy and Declan.

 Between our noggins is a gorilla enjoying a snack.

 Gav waving hi to the buffalo (bison? whatever)

 A rare chance to get an upclose encounter with the buffalo.  This is actually right next to the picnic table where we ate lunch. 

 Gav looks so old to me in this picture.

 I couldn't decide if this picture was cuter than the one above this, so since its my blog and I get to do what I want, I just put them both in! :)

 Daddy and Deckers checking out the buffalo.

 Dolphin show!

 I really enjoy our awkward family pics.  I especially like the funny face that the woman behind me is making.

 Warning:  The next two pictures contain captions that were all Ryan's idea.  The caption for this pic: Gavin farted.

 Ryan smelled it.

 I know Gav, I can't believe Daddy called you out on that fart either.

 Loving the dolphin show.  Based on his reaction, I'm sure Gav will be adding this to his zoo itinerary.

 Trying to capture some of the dolphin moves with Gav watching.

 And back home, a cute brother moment.  Gavin loves to play with Declan and always encourages him.  Here, Gavin was helping Declan press the buttons, and telling him "good job" every time Declan pressed one.