I tried my best to keep my concern to myself. I tried to reassure them that IF we had to get shots – they seriously only hurt for just a second. I promised them Steak N Shake milkshakes when we were done. They knew they would get stickers from the Dr. It was just something we had to do. So off we went!

We went in and they both got weighed and measured. Abby is 90th – 90th in height and weight and Hannah is 75th – 75th. This just means they are both a bit taller than the average — but their weight is right on course with their height. Now in the past, weighing hasn’t even went well. Abby has always completely shut down at the doctors office. Sometimes we even see hives! But so far, so good! Still smiling and laughing with the fantastic nurse!

Next we walked down the hall so Abby could look at some pictures. At first she thought it was just a fun game and did great. Then the nurse walked us to the end of the hall and I had to cover one eye so she could look at the pictures with one eye from a distance. She started to get uncomfortable and said she couldn’t see anymore and such. Once again the nurse pulled through and got Abby to have fun with it. She did great! I forgot to mention that while Abby was 20 feet away, Hannah was standing right next to the nurse yelling, “STAR”, “BOAT”, “FLAG”. Ha! She finally stopped when the nurse told her she could get a turn later

Then we went into the room – and all of the fun was sucked from the air. I could clearly see Abby getting more and more nervous — Hannah was just kinda oblivious bouncing around. The nurse came back in and did a little hearing test for Abby. Abby had to say “BEEP” every time she heard the beep. She did great!

Finally it was time. Dr. P came in. Dr. P is such a warm and funny lady! But she is a doctor and I guess that scares Abby a bit. The girls aren’t really sick all of the time – so they don’t see her too often. Maybe their yearly visit and possibly one other time a year? I know we have had years when they only went on their birthday. So maybe she is just unfamiliar? Dr. P did both exams kinda at the same time. Checked this, then that, both girls.

They both did great. I learned that one has much larger tonsills than the other – but I don’t remember which one Abby showed Dr. P she could (finally) skip. Hannah did multiple ballerina spins. Abby had to write her name and draw a picture of a girl. Hannah drew a completed circle.

Almost done! Dr. P left the room and the nurse came back in. She handed me three wipes and a cup. Yes. Yes. I had to take both girls into the bathroom and convince Abby to pee in a cup. So there I am, trying to keep Hannah from touching everything, Abby is balancing on the toilet, I am holding the cup under her with my arms in a public toilet. Abby is worried about peeing on my arms – which she finally did. Ah! A mother’s love! Anyway, we got the pee and it was time for shots.

Hannah choose to go first. I asked her to sing a song with me. She sang “Old McDonald” – but she got the shot before we found out what animal was on the farm. She wasn’t happy – but did okay.

Then Abby. She was so so brave! She hopped up where she needed to sit, held my hands and readied herself. It is so hard to watch their faces as they feel that needle. I just kept reassuring her that is was only going to sting for just a minute. Two in one arm and one in the other. She did cry. But it wasn’t the “i’m freaking out cry” it was the “this really hurts mom cry”. Both girls had it together by the time we walked out of the room. Success!

WE WERE DONE!!!!

The girls really loved their bandaids – so that was good.

Whew! Ready for school!!

The girls got some really fun bracelets with their tickets.

They did super!! We had hotdogs and nachos for supper. Then Jamey ran back out for some popcorn and a soft pretzel. They stayed in their seats and actually watched and enjoyed the movie. Abby had the biggest grin you have ever seen! Her favorite part was when Blu found his mother. Hannah was a dancing machine. I think she loved the music.

Jamey grabbed a quick picture during the credits.

When we were walking out Abby said, “Mom, this has been a very good day.”

I agree. A very good day indeed!

THIS is an EXCELLENT IDEA!!! :/

She was very proud of her accomplishment!

We have a zoo membership to the St. Louis Zoo. It is simply one of the best zoos around! First, it is gorgeous! Most of the animals live in habitats just as you would find them in nature. You are surrounded by beautiful plants and trees everywhere you walk. Second, it is FREE! Free I said!!! We do get a zoo membership each year. It gives us a few free parking passes and then several more passes for the train, carousel and children’s zoo. It really is a great deal if you live in the STL area. We tried to go to the zoo on Friday, but unfortunately they were extremely busy and the lovely mounted police officers had us leave the area No admittance. Sigh. So I promised the girls we would try to go back this weekend. This Memorial Day Weekend. I knew when I said it – it would be hot and crowded. But our pass expires in a couple of days and I really wanted to use our free tickets. We loaded up and off we went!

They have really made some fantastic changes at the Zoo – even in the time that we have lived in STL. If you haven’t been in a while you should go take a peek! The parking area right off of 64/40 is just terrific! So many new sculptures. And also a new parking strategy. This is the elephant that greats you now.

Hakuna Matata! (You can also see the new bridge that crosses your from the lot to the zoo in the background!! No more waiting on traffic – MUCH easier with the kids!)

Sun block, Sun glasses and a big stroller just in case we get tired of walking.

Hannah was certain she wanted to walk — for about the first 200 yards

Like I mentioned earlier – this was a “use the tickets” trip. We didn’t really take any time to see the animals. We can go back in a few weeks when it isn’t as busy and do that for free. Today we had a mission! And the train was first on the list. We didn’t have any lines to deal with. We swiped the card, got our tix and jumped on the train! Abby really likes when we get the blue train (but I gotta tell ya, Daddy was really excited with how shiny the silver one was).

ALL ABOARD!!! Abby sat with Daddy and Hannah and I shared a seat.

And then the waving begins! The train makes about 4 stops. We get to circle the entire zoo! We even travel through a few tunnels. The girls had great fun! Abby loved that there was a “girl conductor”.

Next stop: The Carousel! We spotted some flamingos and alligators… err… I mean, pelicans on the way!

Abby picked a Siberian Tiger and Hannah picked the Chimpanzee.

We’re heading to the Children’s Zoo next! Come read more in Part 2.

Hanna took a second to sit on the frog. She insisted I take her picture – but refused to look at me

We headed to the indoor section of the Children’s Zoo. Also lots to see and do inside! The girls seem to gravitate towards the plastic playhouse. This always amazes me. They have fun, live animals to pet and sand to dig in and so many more unique animals to see! Finally! Today they were quite interested in digging for treasures! Abby just found a red shell!

We stopped to tell the guinea pigs hello.

And a quick pat for the BIG bunny!

Wow! What could be hiding in this log??

SNAKE!!!!

We headed back outside. There were a few chickens walking around, mooching Goldfish off of some visitors. Abby asked me what chickens ate – I told her the better question might be what don’t chickens eat?? Lynn? Help here? We walked through the dark belly of a HUGE whale and it dropped us off at a splash pad! This is the place that I often hope isn’t on. I hope we can just walk right by without the girls noticing. But not today! Today we were ready to get wet!! The girls seemed a bit confused that I was not only allowing – but encouraging them stop around in their regular clothes. I knew it was there. I had planned on letting them play today. That is one of the reasons I saved the Children’s Zoo for last. I had sunblock. However, I forgot towels :/ Oh well! It was a warm day. They splished and splashed for at least 20 minutes.

“Look Abby! A little hole. I think I’ll stick my toe in it!”

“Whoa!”

“Aaaaggghhhh”

Come see more of The Children’s Zoo in Part 3.

Next the girls pretended to be spiders climbing on a giant web! I’m certain there is a (30 year old) picture of me on this same web! Mom, can you find it?

The goats were our final destination at the Children’s Zoo. The girls picked up their brushes on the way in and went straight to work!

Wrappin’ it up! We thought a little ice cream might be a fun close to a great day! Daddy thought the girls might like to try dip n’ dots. Did you know: Working at the dip n’ dots stand at the Du Quoin State Fair was one of my first paying jobs.

They picked banana split. I think they were a little confused at first with the little dots. Once Abby took a bite she gave it a Thumbs Up!

Hannah’s first eating attempt was with her spoon upside down. She flipped it over and finally got a taste.

But then she quickly chose the “shovel method”.

Followed soon after with the “Drink Method”

Everyone was pretty tuckered out! The girls hopped back in the stroller and we headed for the gate!

And that was our super visit to The St. Louis Zoo!