Another year older!

Miss Melody turned 11 years old this weekend!  We celebrated on Friday with her very, dear close friend, who happened to be born just two days before Miss Melody in the same hospital, with a brunch at Cracker Barrel and yet another trip to the zoo.  Yep, that annual family pass has more than paid for itself and then some!  My girls just LOVE animals.  Period.  And it was worth it, even though it was quite chilly. Miss Melody loves the Lemurs the best, but I'll spare you all from any more zoo animal pictures, lest you think that's all we do over here.  Let me just say, though, that I'm convinced that fall is the best season to visit the zoo!

 The zoo just put in a new carousel ride, which we had to try, of course.

 These two silly girls insisted on this picture for the blog. LOL.

 Of course, adults can still have fun too, right?  He only lasted about 20 feet with me on his back. My kids thought it was hilarious to see mom and dad like this.

 ...Making a wish... (and never mind that odd-looking #1...it looks just fine from the front!)

Brother Brass got her a mug from the zoo, and she was totally touched.  Why?  Because Brother Brass has a thing about making company either coffee or tea, lighting candles, turning on the classical music (which is sometimes his Star Wars sound track), and creating this ambiance of pleasure in our home.  His new thing is to make tea (I won't let her drink coffee yet :)  for his sis once in a while, and she just eats it up.  He felt it was important for her to have her own mug, since he's got his own mug collection going.  These two are so funny sometimes.  This may seem like nothing to some, but for a mom of a child who has extra challenges in life to overcome with his TS, OCD, and ADD, these are treasured moments in a mother's heart.  The mug was totally his idea, and I love this bond that they share. :)

I LOVE MY KIDS!