7 Kids at the Zoo

I know some people might think I'm crazy (especially Ned*), but I've always admired and envied people with big families. I don't know how well I would handle it, I'm so scatter brained that it's probably a good thing I don't always have 7 people to keep track of. (o:

Last week I got to see what it would be like to take 7 kids to the zoo. I really wanted to help Kim out while she packed and have one more memory with Allie, Luke and Kate before they left. I decided that it would be a good idea to enlist the help of Hannah (the wonderful helper at Natalie's birthday party) who is GREAT with little kids (she is actually from a big family of almost 7). She was so awesome and helped make our field trip enjoyable and safer! (o: (More eyes to count and keep track of everyone.)

I was really excited for a fun day, but my first priority was to keep everyone safe. Kim laughed when she saw all of the kids tattooed with my cell phone number and ingrained with what to do if anyone got lost. Hannah stayed toward the back and helped me continually count to six. (o:

We had a fabulous day together! Lots of laughs and tons of pictures. Every now and then I'd hear Allie and Sarah talking about Texas or saying it was their "last time together". Sniff, sniff. We made the most of the day and have so many fun memories that will hopefully last all year. I made a plan with Allie and Sarah that we would set up a blog just for them and that made them feel better.

Kate and Hannah were fast friends. Hannah carried little Kate about half the time at the zoo - she's such a trooper. Not only did she not complain about anything, she really enjoyed herself too and she loved Kate!

Yikes!

I think this was Hannah's idea for these funny pictures. They turned out so funny. (o:

I will miss little Kater Potater - she will change the most in this next year. )o: What a sweetie.

Once again, I didn't get a picture with Kim - which I meant to when she met us to pick up the kids. We had a tearful goodbye in the zoo parking lot. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful friend and I am grateful to know that no matter how many miles apart we are, we will be friends for a long long time. She's one of those friends I can see myself going with on a trip to Hawaii when we're 73 for a girls' outing. (o: Seriously, it's on my calendar for 2047, Kim. Hopefully we'll get to do lots of fun stuff together in the mean time.