Boo at the Zoo

This afternoon, I took Addie and Andrew to Boo at the Zoo. I figured the zoo would be busy today, because it was a lovely fall day, so I encouraged Alex to spend the afternoon with his nana. I hate it that he misses out on events like this, and it brings on horrible bouts of mommy guilt, but I know that he really does not like crowds and would much rather play Uno with Nana rather than fight through tons of people. So off we went.

I was right in my hunch that there would be lots of people at the zoo today; we had to park clear in the back of the parking lot and walk quite a while to the gate. We made it through the entrance and headed toward the treat stations, as the kids were anxious to collect some candy.

Now, I realize that I am pretty strict about good manners, but I was still amazed by the lack of common courtesy demonstrated by the masses of people today. People cut in front of us in lines, we got run in to with strollers, people allowed their children to push in front of my kids to see the animals. Ugh. It took a lot for me to contain my disgust, and while we managed to see quite several of our favorite animals, we did not stay for as long as I anticipated. It just wasn't worth the frustration. As season pass holders, we much prefer the zoo when it isn't wall to wall people, so we'll go back another time.

I seriously will look into the private tours for the Wildlights event...

Manners

My kids are silly, loud, and can be absolute monsters.  I accept this.  They are great kids, but like most children, they can be also be little nightmares.  Such is life.

One thing we have always stressed with them is the importance of good manners.  There is no option there.  I may be a "pick your battles" kind of mom, but if you're my kid, I better hear "please" and "thank you" come out of your mouth.

Fortunately for them, my kids do pretty well with this, even without reminders.  Today, I took them out to lunch, and listened to them order their drinks and meals (something else we've always stressed; they need to learn to speak up for themselves!), with the appropriate "May I please have..." requests.  When their food came, the shift manager (who brought the food out) heard a cheerful round of "thank you!" as he set down their plates.  I was satisfied to hear them use the manners we've reinforced since they could talk (or even before then, since Alex learned to sign before he could speak; you can bet he could sign "please" and "thank you"!).

After the bill was paid, and our server dropped off my receipt, she hesitated long enough to compliment the kids.  She commented on how well behaved they were, and mentioned their nice manners, and told them that even her manager came to tell her that he also noticed those things.

The kids beamed.  I beamed.  It was a nice moment.

Of course, shortly after that, Alex threw a big wad of cheese on the floor of the grocery store and refused to pick it up, which resulted in a stand off.  We won't talk about that, though.  I'm still enjoying the brief moment where someone saw how well behaved the kids can be.  I'm allowed to do that.