Fall Break

The Utah Hogle Zoo seemed like a great idea on our day off from school. As Megan encouraged on her blogject, I was surprised to find I had forgotten how wonderful the Zoo is! The kids are amazed by every animal, for about 10 seconds, only to announce they are bored and ready to more on. We were so lucky to arrive at breakfast. Many of the larger animals were right in front of us eating! Our favorite animals were the white handed gibbon, Giraffe, snakes, rhino, meercat, and black-footed cat. Savannah also loved the golden lion tamarin. They are so cute and just sat looking at her!

The zoo also has 10 new babies this year. Some were hard to find, but many, like Zuri were right there to see.

One reason Savannah loved the black-footed cat and golden lion tamarin is because she could see them. The zoo is always a bit of an emotional downer for me. I forget all of Savannah's limitations until I am presented with them. Sometimes if we are driving in the car, Cooper will point out what he is looking at that is passing by. Savannah will chime in and say she saw it also. She did not, but she wants to be included.

At the Zoo, I pointed at the sleeping cougar and asked if she could see it. Of course she said yes. When I asked a detailed question she quickly looked all over trying to answer, but was unable to. My fear was confirmed, she could not find the sleeping cougar, 10 feet in front of us. This became our game with every animal. I WANT her to see every animal. I want to make sure she is having the same experience. At every animal exhibit I would point out the animal, then ask a simple question; what color is his ears, what is he scratching, what is it doing, who is taller? If she answered right I was happy, if she answered wrong I felt pain.

When does being a parent get easier? I am so grateful Savannah is a happy hyper 4 year old who can get by with the vision she has right now. I pray as she gets older and her abilities are challenged I can handle the struggle with strength.