No More Pictures

Her childcare provider, Ms. Brenda's electricity went out on Monday night around 9 p.m. By Tuesday at 7:00 am it was still off. So that meant she had to shut down daycare for the day.

So, Sophia was home with me for the day. So one of the things we did since it was so nice outside (cloudy, not too hot and not raining) was blow bubbles. Of course I brought my camera along. I was trying to get some new pics to work with for my photoshop class.

But apparently Sophia was tired of the camera.

It started out fine.

"Cheese"

Here's where things start to turn.



Here's where she got tired of the camera.
Can you read her lips? She was saying "STOP!".

And of course I had to take a few pics of her yelling and being dramatic.

But she did bring something to my attention that I didn't think she'd notice for a while. That I take a billion pictures.

I guess subconsciously, I think if I don't capture it with my camera, I'm somehow not going to remember it 30 years from now and therefore, it didn't happen or exist??

I'm no shrink here, but I'll be the first to admit I take way too many pictures....of Sophia. I need to start going back to my pre-Sophia subject matter. Or find something new to photograph. At least for a little while so I can give Sophia a break.

I do know this from a past experience. I forgot my camera for a swimming playdate and I think I enjoyed it more without the camera. I could just enjoy the people around me and concentrate on Sophia. Well, I guess there are worse things to be addicted to. Right?

Thank you

Sophia wanted me to say thank you for all her wonderful new toys and clothes. She's having such a great time with all of it. Good thing Christmas and her birthday are 6 months apart. I don't know what we'd do with so much, back to back.

I'm thinking for next year, maybe everyone chip in $5 for 1 gift??? Otherwise, we're going to need another room just for her toys.

Forest Park Train and The Ft. Worth Zoo

For Sophia's birthday week, we went to ride the Forest Park Train and the zoo on Thursday.

Here we are waiting for the train.

Here it comes!

We got there right on time, 9:30 am. Thanks for the tip Jill. We didn't know it opened that early.

The train ride was great. Even thought there was no breeze, once the train got going, it created a breeze.

All of the girls loved it.

Then it was off to the zoo. This was not our first trip to the zoo (Sophia and I), but it was the first time Russell got to go with us. Last year he was working. The Ft. Worth Zoo holds a special place in our hearts as it was the location for our first date.

On this zoo trip, we got to see a lot of cool things.

Like someone cleaning an aquarium.

Russell touching a snake. It freaked Sophia out.

We got to ride the merry-go-round.

Sophia rode on a horse this year instead of the wagon.

We got to visit my mom's boss' bench right outside the penguin house. His name is Mr. Klabzuba and his money helped fund the penguin house.

But more important than all the cool things we got to see, it was just fun watching Sophia's reactions to things. There was a big difference between this years trip and last years.

Last year, she wanted to jump into the cage with the animals. This year, I heard over and over again "mama, I'm scared.".

This year, she could ask, "what's that?".

It was soooo hot. That part didn't change.

She still refuses to keep sunglasses or a hat on to help shield her eyes and head.

Here are some more cool things we got to see. Check out this giraffe's tongue.

Sophia loved this bird. Must be the color.

We got to see a rhino take a bath.

There are some things we were better off not seeing. We got to see the lions.

We went into the birdhouse and walked around.

This one flew right onto the side walk in front of Sophia.

We got to see a rhino play ball.

We got to see a gorilla deep in thought.

And more importantly, I think we all lost 10 pounds in sweat alone. Here we are, ready for an air conditioned car.

Here's Sophia on the car ride home. We just happened to have a paci handy to aid in her falling asleep.

Later that night, the crew came over for dinner. This was their last night together.

Farewell Kaminski/Laine crew!