We just returned home for a quick visit with my family for Father's Day. I went to feed the fish and I see our newest addition at the bottom of the tank. Not a huge surprise since we never saw her eat when the other ones did.
So my dilemma is, do I spare Cara the sadness of her loss by secretly replacing it, or do we do the whole "circle of life" thing? I lean towards the secret replacement plan since it's just a dumb fish and not a cat or something warm and fuzzy.
We got to touch some fun creatures like urchins and sea stars.
Natalie was very interested in touching some of the larger creatures, like the rays and sharks (she kept trying to grab them as they swam by). She was ready to jump in the water to get her hands on this Ray. You can't see by the picture, but her hair was wet from getting so close.
We loved the lorikeet forest where you have to duck as these birds go flying right past your head...and always be on the lookout from above. Natie bribed a lorikeet to sit on her arm and eat. Cara was not too interested in touching the animals, but liked watching them from a distance. But probably our favorite group of animals were the sea lions.
They had so much personality and we found that if you hold something up to the window, they will come right up and inspect it. The girls would hold their pennies and move them around on the glass and this little guy would follow it. It reminded me of how a cat will chase string. They were so cute and playful.
Then it was down to San Diego for the night. The girls love staying in hotels so this was highly anticipated. On Sunday morning before the shower, we got up and went for a swim before checking out. I won't go into my thoughts about the pool experience because this is my happy post...I may save that rant for another one.
After check out, it was off to the baby shower. Though I didn't really know anyone other than Kelly and her family it was so nice to spend some time with her. It's fun watching them get ready for their little girl. They are going to be such great parents.
Good luck Ryan and Kelly. We are so happy for you!
Ok, so I'm a pushover--and a sucker. After I explained that goldfish wouldn't do well with our angelfish, Cara explained how she needed another fish. She reasoned that she had another at one point, but Dylan the fish went to heaven one weekend and was never replaced. Being a fan of even numbers anyhow, I conceded and we went to the fish store and picked out Marsha. Hopefully Sparkle, Zoe and Marshmallow will be kind to her :)
I know this could be the title of my entire blog, but this post will suffice (until my next screw up). Earlier this week, Cara brought home a permission slip to bring home one of the classroom fish. They have been raising goldfish and had a few that have survived who needed a home since summer is rapidly approaching. We already have a fish tank that houses our three angelfish (thanks Uncle Michael for those) and I didn't think goldfish would do well with angelfish.
I explained to Cara that we would not be bringing a fish home. My thinking was that since there were only 3 or 4 fish left, why not have them go to a home where they could be have a good tank by to themselves or with other goldfish.
When I pick up Cara today she is visibly upset. I ask her what is wrong and she tells me (as the tears start to flow) that she was one of the only kids who didn't get a fish. She tells me that she was sad because she felt like she missed out. What the crap?! There were only like 3 fish when I was in the classroom this morning and there are 17 kids in her class? I know they don't reproduce that fast.
So in my questioning, I find out that there was such a response from the kids that the kind room mom went and bought enough fish for everyone who had wanted one. So here I am with a 7 year old, crying over a dumb goldfish. If I had known that 13 other children were getting one, I would have let her bring one home to put in a bowl until it died a few weeks later. I know I could go to the store and spend the 20 cents to buy her one, but I don't think that was the point. I think she just felt bad because she was 1 of the 4 kids in class who did not get a stinking goldfish. Ugh!
I just got back from my new fav grocery store--and I usually hate grocery shopping. It's one of my least favorite chores. Have any of you been to that store Fresh & Easy? This was my second time going and to be honest, I kind of liked it the first time, but this time I decided that I really like them. Maybe it was because I didn't have my kids with me. All errands seems more enjoyable without having drag around 2 kids. But here's what I like about it:
