Hand in Hand we walked at the Zoo

I held the most tender, sweetest hand yesterday and it made my heart swell with pride. He only extended out his "silly band hand".

Gray's wish was to spend his 5th Birthday at Lincoln Park Zoo, in Chicago. I switched my day off so I could go with. I am so thankful for a flexible job that will allow me to spend time with my family. Be prepared for lots of fun pictures from our day. Gray was the sweetest boy and he was our tour guide. He knew exactly which animals and what order he wanted to see them in.

The Giraffe's were outside eating.
Gray and Ivy were looking for Nemo.
Gray was looking for Mr. Crocodile, who is usually lying on a rock.

Steph & Ivy amazed at Mr. Hippo.
Meerkats are my all time favorite little guys to watch.

I could stand all day watching "Lee" the polar bear swim in this sky blue water. I love the reflection of the tree on him. He always puts on a great show for us.Gray had a permanent smile All day long.
Gray enjoyed his Birthday lunch. Cheeseburger and fries. He later made friends with a squirrel

by sharing his fries.
Gray and Ivy in a log looking in at the chimps. Gray was pretending to be a tree frog the whole time he was playing in and on the log.

I think this is such a precious picture. Gray was taking a little rest.

Little miss Ivy "Lulu" enjoyed her freedom, running around, doing her own thing.
Gray climbing on Mr. Ape at the end of our playtime at the zoo.

After the zoo, we were home just in time for Noah and Carter as they got off the school bus. We loaded up and headed to Designer Desserts
for Gray's special Birthday Cupcake. We each picked out our favorite's from the case of many different kinds. It was a very hard decision. I chose a delicious Coconut Cream cupcake.

Gray chose a chocolate/raspberry cupcake. He just sat and starred at it for the longest time.
He ended up finishing his brother's cupcake and taking his home. I don't think he wanted to mess it up. This was an ending to a perfect, wish fulfilled 5th Birthday. He didn't need to blow out a candle cause he already got his wish. What a Fun Day! And during the course of the day, Gray would say in a soft voice "Mimi, I love you".