Daddy's Birthday Celebration

Happy Birthday to Daddy!!

We began Daddy's birthday a few days early due to my work schedule, having late home visits and such. I baked Mike cupcakes on Wednesday and gave him his gifts. Originally we were going to spend a long weekend in Orlando, visiting the Magic Kingdom since Daddy would get in free, as well as Michael. However, we decided to something a little more low key and cost friendly...

Lowry Park Zoo!!

Totally glad we decided to go to the Zoo because Michael just loves animals and was able to run around more freely since the Zoo was not crazy busy, like Disney would be. Michael decided he wanted to walk into the Zoo, rather to ride in the stroller. He grabbed both Daddy's and mine fingers so you know me, couldn't resist the picture opportunity!

Once were were inside, Michael ran around for awhile, running into groups of kids from local Elementary Schools. He also pushed his stroller around some :) He thinks he is just the biggest lil boy around! Daddy did help since Michael wasn't the best at steering :)

First stop... Monkeys!

So I just stood by most of the time through this exhibit area as Michael and Daddy LOVE monkeys! Hence Michael's nicname... monkey :) I was able to get a shot of them enjoying their views of the monkeys and no joke, Mike was not posing for this photo. He REALLY does like Monkeys and apparently something really did excite the 2 of them!

Since Michael was running ALL over the place, it was time for him to return to the stroller. He had a ball kicking the gates every time we stopped to see something :)


Around 11 or so, we grabbed a small lunch for us and a big boy lunch for Michael. We were surprised because he didn't like the animal crackers! He stuck to his hot dog, fries and goldfish :)

When we were walking out of the kids area to head over to "Africa," we ran into a Llama! Michael wasn't overly thrilled so we moved on :)
We stopped at the carousal before going to see the Giraffe's. Of course, we pick out the giraffe for Michael to sit on. Stunk though because it didn't move! I was totally bummed but Michael seemed to enjoy the ride :)

There were tons of distractions on our way to see the giraffe's. We ended up spending quite some time watching the meerkat's.

Honestly, I think Michael liked this area because he liked his own reflection. Not too sure the meerkat's were the reason for hanging around for so long ;)

Our big boy decided to walk over to the giraffe's on his own :)

Now I swear that he really does like giraffe's!! Here, not so much but even I wasn't too thrilled because of their slimy long tongues. He preferred to admire them from a distance :)

Lil man was getting sleepy and it was getting HOT so we decided to leave and head to Ellenton for the remainder of the day to begin out Xmas shopping at the Outlet mall. We decided to have Daddy's 37th birthday dinner at the Crab Trap II, the restaurant where Mike met my parents one afternoon in 2006, to ask them if he could take me off their hands and marry me :) Great times!!