A Day at the Zoo

We had the perfect end to my mom's spring break! We went to the Santa Ana Zoo which my mom says is perfect for grandmas! Just enough animals to excite the kids and not a lot of walking for the grandmas.

Silly sentimental me has been so overwhelmed with the love that my family has given these kiddos!!! My youngest bro, Mike even drove the 45 miles out to our house last night to come and spend time with the kids. Before the kids came home, it was tough to get Mike out here. He has really bonded with both kids and they chase him yelling, "Michael, Michael..." They love to be on his shoulders which puts them up VERY high!

When Jerry comes home, the kids begin chasing him. They can't say his name as well as they say Michael, but they do make great attempts! Sophia especially love to chase him and growl as Jerry pretends to be scared. I have been pleased with how well the kids have bonded with the guys in my family. One of the warnings that the Russian contacts gave me was that the kids would be afraid of men and would need time to warm up to them. That hasn't been the case at all, but I think it is because the guys in my family know how to have fun and show the love.

I will share one funny although entirely inappropriate story:

At Easter brunch, a dose of outgoing overtook Zack, and he spontaneously yelled out TEEETZKEES and grabbed babushka's boobs (one in each hand). My mom screeched and said nyet but giggled. I got him to stop doing it but was in shock. Then last night out of the blue Zack says, "Babushka Teetskees MUAWWWW". He had outstretched hands showing large and then the muaw was a big kiss. I was like, "ZACK"! I am not sure what exposure this kid has had to tskas, but my first job with him is to redirect him to something a little more age appropriate!!!! Now, if there were no language barrier, it would be very easy to get him to understand why it is inappropriate, but until he can understand my words, he will have to understand my tone and sign language!!! You can imagine how I have to sign for him what he is NOT to do.

He's a sweet kid, and although this behavior is entirely inappropriate, I can't really say that his taste in women is bad!

So back to the zoo with Zack's mighty hot grandmother...

Just as we thought, Zack's favorite animals were the monkeys! Do you see the resemblence?

That's my little MONKEY!!!

After a good belly tickling, momma got some real smiles!Group pic for Heather who likes when I am in the picture! Some stranger offered to take a picture for us! I hesitantly agreed!
More monkeying around with Auntie McStephanie!

More Monkeys...
The monkeys went wild!
Peek a boo...Is that a monkey or a hamster?
Sophia and Babushka had great fun once again! Sophia LOVES her babushka and even asks for her!